Born on May 18, 1983 in Houston, Texas, Vince Young began his career as a quarterback at Madison High School. It was here that he participated in the school’s football program and quickly began his path to athletic stardom. Honors he has received include PARADE and Student Sports National Player of the Year, 2001 Texas Offensive Player of the Year, The Sporting News Top High School Prospect, and proud winner of the Pete Dawkins Trophy. In addition to Young’s love of football, he also managed to make varsity in both basketball and track during his high school years. While his athletic ability was evident in whatever sport he chose, football remained a constant in his life and would accompany him throughout college and beyond. After high school, Vince Young was accepted to the University of Texas, where he immediately joined the Longhorns football team. In 2004, during his sophomore year, Vince Young led the Longhorns to an 11-1 season record and the University’s inaugural appearance and victory in the Rose Bowl. In 2005, he was one of the top three finalists for the coveted Heisman Trophy, but finished second to Vince Young. That same year, Vince Young was recognized once again by being named the best college football player of 2005 by College Football News.
In January 2006, Vince Young announced his plans to enter the NFL draft. After deciding to decline his final year of NCAA eligibility, Young began preparing for the upcoming National Football League draft. Experts predict that he will be selected early in the first round. Even though he decided to forgo his final season of college football, the awards kept coming. In 2006, Young received the Manning Award as well as the Rose Bowl MVP for the 2005 season.
His love for the game is evident in his actions, as is his talent on the field. No matter where the road takes him, this Texan native will never forget his hometown of Houston. And how could he? In his honor, Houston declared January 10 as ‘Vince Young Day’. It seems that his hometown will never forget him either. If history repeats itself, then NFL and college football fans are sure to see more of Vince Young and his award-winning athleticism for years to come.
