Vince Abbott
Vince Abbott | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 31, 1958 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Former professional American football placekicker, medical sales and business development professional, coach, powerlifter |
| Years active | 1981–1989 (football) |
| Known for | NFL placekicker for San Diego Chargers, USFL player for Los Angeles Express |
Vincent Steven Abbott (born May 31, 1958) is a former professional American football placekicker originally from England. Hailing from London, Abbott began his collegiate football career at the University of Washington before transferring to Cal State Fullerton. Despite going undrafted in 1981, he competed in the USFL with the Los Angeles Express.
Abbott earned recognition during the 1987 NFL pre-season by successfully converting 7 out of 8 field goal attempts, including four beyond 40 yards, which secured him the kicking position over veteran Rolf Benirschke. In his first NFL game with the San Diego Chargers, he made two field goals, one being a crucial 33-yard kick that tied the game. A highlight of his season came in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns when he nailed a 20-yard field goal to tie the game and then delivered a 33-yard kick in overtime for the win, propelling the Chargers to a 6–1 record and first place in their division. Abbott continued to perform in clutch situations with several game-winning field goals against teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and Raiders, contributing to San Diego’s strong 8–1 start.
Although the Chargers experienced a late-season decline and failed to qualify for the playoffs, Abbott maintained his role as their kicker through the 1989 season. In 1987, he completed 13 of 22 field goal attempts, with most misses occurring on kicks longer than 40 yards. The following year, he appeared in 12 games and successfully made 8 out of 12 field goals. Over his NFL tenure, Abbott remained flawless when it came to game-winning kicks, converting all 13 attempts.
Outside of his football career, Abbott appeared alongside his family on Family Feud in 1983 as part of promoting his USFL season. After retiring from professional football, he pursued careers in medical sales and business development while also coaching aspiring kickers and weightlifters. Currently residing in Newport Beach, Abbott is an enthusiastic powerlifter who can bench press over 475 pounds.
External links
- 1958 births
- Living people
- American football placekickers
- Cal State Fullerton Titans football players
- English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
- English players of American football
- Players of American football from London
- Los Angeles Express players
- San Diego Chargers players
- Washington Huskies football players