NFL Vice President Troy Vincent to speak at Mending Broken Hearts Luncheon

NFL Executive Vice President and former football great Troy Vincent will deliver the keynote address during the Mending Broken Hearts with Hope Luncheon, Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples.

Vincent’s message, “Leadership over Violence,” will include his personal story of growing up in a home with domestic violence. He will share how his involvement in sports helped him turn his pain into progress and inspired his lifelong commitment to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

During his 15 years as a defensive back, Vincent played for the Miami Dolphins, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. He has received many community and sports awards including NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year. Prior to serving as vice president of the NFL, he served as President of the NFL Players’ Association from 2004-2008.  At the NFL, Vincent has worked to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility for all players, coaches, clubs and fans and is dedicated to developing future players, preserve and innovate the game, and protect the NFL brand.

In 2016, Vincent received the Call to Men Award for Institutional Change for his efforts to raise awareness and prevent violence against girls and women. In 2015, he received the Humanitarian Award: Voice Over Violence, for his work to build healthy relationships and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence.

Vincent has served on the boards of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the University of Wisconsin Foundation, United Negro College Fund – The Art of Giving Back and Advocates for Athletics Equity. He and his wife Tommi established Love Thy Neighbor CDC, a foundation dedicated to fostering positive change in young people’s lives through character, athletics and academics.

“Troy is a nationally recognized voice for those who have no voice,” said Annette Pakula, this year’s chair of the Mending Broken Hearts with Hope Luncheon. “He is a mentor to former players and their families as well as to the thousands of young people, who look to him for guidance and direction. We are thrilled to have him as our keynote speaker and excited to hear his message and call for social change.”