Agent says CFL ‘a viable step’ in relaunch of Young’s career
Vince Young could be relaunching his football career north of the border.
Veteran agent Leigh Steinberg said he’s conducted talks on behalf of the former University of Texas and Tennessee Titans star with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
The 33-year-old former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year hired Steinberg after meeting him in Houston at his annual Super Bowl party.
Although Young works for UT’s diversity department and the Longhorn Network and earns roughly $100,000 per year, Steinberg emphasized that the former first-round draft pick has a strong desire to play football again.
“It’s a very mature Vince Young who actually has a very happy life going and a second career working for the university, which is a very fulfilling job,” Steinberg said. “In many ways, he’s made the transition to a fulfilling life with one caveat: He still has a desire to play football.”
Young, who led Texas to a national championship, last played in an NFL regular-season game in 2011 when he threw four touchdowns and had nine interceptions for the Philadelphia Eagles.
“The reality is he’s 33, but he’s only 33,” Steinberg said. “My experience with quarterbacks is as long as they’re not hurt in their legs most of them could probably play into their 40s. Their arm stays strong. I found him to be bright and realistic and ambitious. Part of his goal is he wants to make a difference in the world.
“He came to our party and he got excited about playing. Fulfilling dreams is why I represent players in the first place. I expect this process to go for another week until we figure it out.”
Young passed for 8,964 yards, 46 touchdown passes and 51 interceptions for a 74.4 passer rating in six NFL seasons.
The new Spring League also has expressed interest in Young.
Young was arrested in January 2016, pleading no contest to the DWI charge earlier this year and fined $300 and ordered to complete 60 hours of community service.
“This is the 2017 Vince Young,” Steinberg said. “This is a mature Vince Young. He’s doing very well.”
Playing in Canada could give Young a chance to knock off the rust.
“It’s an interesting alternative,” Steinberg said. “The question is what’s the most effective way to fulfill his dreams. This may be a viable step.”