CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The way DeAngelo Williams sees it, the credit for his breakout season with the Carolina Panthers goes to a 45-year-old guy in Florida.

Williams thinks he now spends his days in Tampa doing impersonations of Al Bundy from "Married with Children," sitting on his couch, a cold beverage in his hand.

This guy would be Vinny Testaverde, the once ageless quarterback who, before finally retiring at the end of last season, sat down the young running back and gave some wise, fatherly advice.

"I think he's probably impacted my season the most this year than anybody because of the conversation that we had before he left," Williams said Wednesday.

After serving as a backup for his first two seasons in the NFL, Williams has become one of the top backs in the league. The 25-year-old Williams has rushed for 1,229 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 5.5-yard average per carry is the best of any back in the league with at least 100 carries.

Behind their renewed running game with Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers are 11-3 and play the New York Giants on Sunday with the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs on the line.

And while Williams teased Testaverde for his supposed easygoing lifestyle in retirement, Williams believes their talk about commitment and work ethic at the end of last season is the reason Williams has gone from a backup to somebody his teammates feel should have been selected to the Pro Bowl.

"We had a lengthy conversation and everything he said to me made perfect sense," said Williams, Carolina's first-round pick in 2006. "From the film room down to work ethic and everything of that nature. He really left me with some things that really touched me and stayed on my heart, as you can tell from this season."

Williams wouldn't reveal the exact details of the talk, and Testaverde couldn't be reached on Wednesday. But quarterback Jake Delhomme believes Williams has benefited greatly from the advice of the 21-year veteran who was well known for being in top condition and well prepared for every game.

"Last year, Vinny talked to DeAngelo about that, about, 'Hey, when you practice, run. Finish runs,'" Delhomme said. "Because Vinny had all those years and knew how to prepare. He was a tireless worker. He prepared extremely hard. I thought it was great that Vinny did that, because obviously, he saw something in DeAngelo."

This year after every running play at practice, Williams runs all the way to the end zone, no matter where on the field the play started from. Williams acknowledged he worked harder in the offseason and is in better condition. He's stronger, too, which has made him harder to tackle.

"Physically I thought he really, really worked hard in every area from endurance to speed training to strength," coach John Fox said.

Williams, Carolina's first-round pick in 2006, is still a jokester with a bubbling personality. But he's now one of the hardest workers in the weight and film rooms, too.

"I know where guys are on the field now," Williams said. "Last year and the year before, when guys dove at my legs, I didn't really know to anticipate that or try to counter that. Now it's just happening instinctive for me. I look at film sometimes and I wonder what I was thinking when I did that. It's just kind of instinctive. I know I have a feel for the game."

Williams is also more comfortable in second-year offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson's system. Williams rushed for 717 yards in an inconsistent 2007 as the No. 2 back behind DeShaun Foster.

"When Jeff got here two years ago we weren't really comfortable in his offense," Williams said. "It was kind of different for us. We were trying to get a feeling for it and then Jake goes down. He's our captain, our leader, our field general.

"We kind of did the switcheroo with the quarterback situation and going through those things. Not making excuses, but it was a little difficult for us to have our offense going and having the quarterbacks come in and out."

The rash of QB injuries was the reason Testaverde was lured from his couch on Long Island last season. He started — and Carolina beat Arizona — four days after he signed. It was after that game that Williams became friendly with him. Just before Testaverde retired and moved to Florida, he took Williams aside for a chat that helped jump-start his career.

"It made me think about some things," Williams said. "After that I sat down and had a long talk with myself ... but it made perfect sense. That's primarily the reason I'm having the season that I'm having this year. Hopefully I can carry it on to seasons to come."

(ap.com)

Former New York Jet Vinny Testaverde has slashed the asking price on his Oyster Bay Cove home to $4.6 million. The quarterback put the 13,000-square-foot mansion on the market in October 2007 for $6.995 million and has lowered the price at least twice.

It's now co-brokered by Lynda Baker Realty Corp. in Hicksville and Century 21 Prevete Real Estate in Plainview. Elaine Lovaglio of Lynda Baker Realty calls the mansion an "absolutely beautiful family home." One of her favorite features, she says, is a lap pool that leads to a 20-foot waterfall, then into another gunite pool with a hot tub.

The center- hall Colonial has six bedrooms and 7½ baths on four acres. Testaverde and wife, Mitzi, now live in a home in Hillsborough County, Fla., they bought in 2007 for $4.5 million.

(newsday.com)

KEYSTONE - The Environmental Protection Commission has cited former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Vinny Testaverde for ripping out mature cypress trees from the shoreline of his Lake Keystone home.

The trees were in protected wetlands, the county said.

"Three or four weeks ago I was getting all these calls from people who saw the trees being ripped up right on the shoreline," said Keystone resident Jim Swain, president of the Lake Keystone Property Owners Association.

He said Testaverde removed between 40 and 50 trees altogether.

Testaverde has been ordered by the EPC to replace 20 of those trees, some as tall as 40 feet.

"We sent an inspector to the site and some of the trees were removed from wetlands," said Bob Owens, a supervisor with the EPC. He said complaints from neighbors began coming into the department April 22.

On April 24, Bill Inch, environmental scientist for the county, visited the property and cited Testaverde for violations of the wetlands division code.

By April 30, Testaverde called Inch and told him all tree removal had stopped. He asked if the already-cut debris could be removed from the property. Inch said it could.

A third visit on May 1 documented 19 cypress tress and one dahoon holly tree removed from protected wetlands on the shoreline.
No Fines Assessed

In a certified letter dated May 13, Testaverde was ordered to plant 40, 15-gallon palm cypress or bulb cypress trees in the wetland area within 30 days.

The letter also required "100-percent survival of the trees one year after planting."

Tallahassee-based attorney Clayton Studstill, representing Testaverde in the discussions, acknowledged receipt of the letter four days later and asked whether fewer trees could be planted if they were larger.

The EPC told them they could instead plant 20, 30-gallon trees (a gallon is the measured unit of soil and root ball in the container of a planted tree), along with "beneficial herbaceous planting on the shoreline."

Studstill said the replanting was finished two weeks ago.

"The site has been replanted at the same density of trees and the site condition has been returned to its native state," he said.
Studstill would not say which tree-removal service worked on the property, but said he was certain Testaverde had hired someone to do the work.

"He was not aware of the EPC rules," he said. "You've got to rely on the advice of these people. Whoever cut down the trees didn't do a very good job of informing him."

No fines will be assessed to Testaverde as long as he continues to comply with the citation, said Debbie Sinko, general manager with the county's wetlands division.

Resident Isn't Happy
Swain isn't completely satisfied with the outcome.

"It doesn't replace what was there," he said. "The damage is done. We're talking about a massive cutting."

Testaverde, who could not be reached for comment, made the county's most expensive home purchase of the year for 2007 when he bought the 7,090-square-foot, 3-acre lakeside estate in August for $4.5 million.

The gated home at 17120 Gunn Highway features seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an eight-car garage and a three-story elevator.

(tbo.com)

Although there has been no confirmation from New England officials, quarterback Vinny Testaverde said during a national radio appearance Friday that he will sign with the Patriots during training camp, and return to the NFL for a 21st season.

Testaverde, 43, signed a one-year contract with the Patriots last November and played in three games, completing two of three passes for 29 yards, with one touchdown pass and no interceptions. He has spent this spring and summer as an unrestricted free agent, but took part in the Pats' passing camps and in the three-day minicamp last month.

"After two-a-days are over, I'll go back and sign my contract," Testaverde told Sporting News Radio. "I'll wait until then."

If a deal is consummated, it would likely be a one-year contract for the minimum base salary of $820,000, and it would come as no surprise. Coach Bill Belichick, who is on vacation, is an admirer of Testaverde, and the team has maintained his locker in the offseason.

Quarterback Vinny Testaverde was on the field again yesterday with the Patriots, although he remains unsigned by the team. The 20-year veteran spent the second half of last season as the Pats’ third quarterback, and got to extend his league record for consecutive seasons with a touchdown pass when he connected with Brown against Tennessee in the regular-season finale. Belichick was mum on Testaverde’s future with New England: “He’s an unrestricted free agent who is participating in our offseason program,” he said.

(boston.com)

Vinny Testaverde is taking part in the Patriots passing camp this week, and it's not merely for kicks or to help out coach Bill Belichick.

According to Mike Azzarelli, a close friend and associate of the quarterback, the 43-year-old Testaverde has not hung up his cleats, nor does he have any plans to do so. He's looking for work. He's looking to add a 21st season to his distinguished resume.

``He's not retired. I doubt he'd be hanging out,'' Azzarelli said when asked about Testaverde's appearance in Foxboro this week participating in passing camp, which is part of the team's Organized Team Activities.

``He's intent on playing.''

Was anything in the works in terms of a contract?

``I can't comment on that,'' said Azzarelli, who had previously served as Testaverde's agent. Azzarelli is no longer an agent, per se, but continues to work for Testaverde.

Vinny Testaverde is taking part in Patriots [team stats] passing camp this week, not merely for kicks or to help out coach Bill Belichick.

According to Mike Azzarelli, a close friend and associate of the quarterback’s, the 43-year-old Testaverde has not hung up his cleats, nor does he have any plans to do so. He’s looking for work. He’s looking to add a 21st season to his distinguished resume.

“He’s not retired. I doubt he’d be hanging out,” said Azzarelli when asked about Testaverde’s appearance in Foxboro this week. “He’s intent on playing.”

Veteran free agent quarterback Vinny Testaverde was spotted yesterday at Gillette Stadium, and while he has not signed with the team, he apparently plans to spend the next few weeks with the club. Testaverde, who joined the Patriots last November, still had his locker at Gillette Stadium as of last week. Testaverde's presence is likely tied to the fact the Patriots are holding Organized Team Activities over the next two weeks. They have three quarterbacks on the roster: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, and rookie free agent Matt Gutierrez.

(boston.com)

INDIANAPOLIS - After 20 seasons as an NFL quarterback, Vinny Testaverde has a rather modest goal for tonight's game.
"I'd love to take a knee. I wouldn't need to do anything more."

Take the snap from center Dan Koppen, drop his knee, count his blessings and try not to smile too broadly behind his facemask.

Take a knee and watch the scoreboard clock in the RCA Dome count off the final seconds to tonight's AFC championship game. Take a knee and watch the celebration on the New England sideline. The game has been won.

Take a knee and realize for the first time in a very long career that he's going to the Super Bowl. Tom Brady may throw the winning touchdown pass or Corey Dillon could run in the winning touchdown.

The NFL’s oldest quarterback, Vinny Testaverde [stats], will see some action during tomorrow’s big game - about 30 seconds of action.

MasterCard plans to break a new television commercial featuring the backup quarterback fetching snacks for an unnamed coach during the AFC Championship faceoff between the New England Patriots [team stats] and the Indianapolis Colts.

In the humorous ad, Testaverde, in full uniform and carrying his helmet, is sent on a mission to get nachos, peanuts and soda from a concession stand inside a stadium. Turning to leave, he gets a call from his coach asking him to pick up ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. As he heads off, he gets another call to pick up a cheeseburger and a diet soda.

FOXBOROUGH - Vinny Testaverde has been chasing the dream for nearly half his life, and now he's only one win away from reaching it - the Super Bowl.

"I watch it every year, and every year I think, 'It got away from me again,'" Testaverde said yesterday in front of his locker at Gillette Stadium. "Hopefully, this year will be a little different."

If the Patriots defeat the Colts Sunday in the AFC Championship Game, Testaverde, 43, will reach the Super Bowl for the first time in his 20-year career. He came close in 1998, falling to the Broncos in the AFC title game - a game the Jets led in the third quarter. The loss still haunts him.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -The clock ticks down to zero, confetti falls, the Super Bowl trophy is hoisted overhead by some other quarterback and Vinny Testaverde clicks off the television.

"Every year I watch it and I think, 'It got away from me again,''' the New England Patriots' third-string QB said Thursday as he prepped for the AFC championship game against Indianapolis. "I've always been on the outside, looking in. I've always wondered what the players went through. I think I'd enjoy that experience.''

Let others complain about the distractions and hype surrounding the Super Bowl. Testaverde would just like a chance to see what it's like after failing to make it to the NFL title game, so far, during an otherwise distinguished 20-year career.

January 15, 2007 -- SAN DIEGO - Vinny Testaverde is 60 minutes away.

For the second time in his 19-year career, and first time since the 1998 AFC Championship game, Testaverde is 60 minutes from a shot at that elusive Super Bowl victory.

"I'm just excited; my whole deal coming back was an opportunity to hopefully win a ring, and we're one step closer," Testaverde said after Patriots 24, Chargers 21. "It's just a chance to enjoy an experience that I never had to enjoy."

Testaverde will be on the sidelines in the RCA Dome Sunday hoping Tom Brady can outduel Peyton Manning and can get him to Miami.

"You dream about it as a kid, and you have an opportunity to play in the NFL and that's your goal," Testaverde said. "Haven't had a lot of opportunities . . . the ones I have had have come up short, and right now this is the best chance I have."

Former Jets starter Vinny Testaverde was given the honor of taking the final snap for the Patriots. Though designated the emergency quarterback, the 43-year-old veteran of 20 seasons came on for the game's final play, taking a knee at the Jets' 46-yard line.

(app.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Apparently, Bill Belichick doesn't hold grudges against everyone with a New York Jets association, past or present.

Take Vinny Testaverde, for instance. Belichick did just that when no one else wanted the 43-year-old avowed Jets fan who proudly wore the green-and-white for six seasons.

"One day, when I do retire, it'll be as a Jet. That's not a secret," Testaverde said this week. "But I enjoy playing the game and Bill and the Patriots have given me an opportunity to come here. My loyalty is to them this week and for the rest of the season."

FOXBORO - To listen to Vinny Testaverde talk about his football career is to be reminded of a line from “West Side Story.”

“When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way . . .”

While Testaverde will be the Patriots [team stats]’ No. 3 quarterback in Sunday’s playoff showdown against the Jets at Gillette Stadium, the 20-year NFL veteran made it known yesterday that the Jets will always be near and dear to his heart.

“One day when I do retire, it will be as a Jet,” said Testaverde, who grew up on Long Island and played parts of seven seasons with the Jets. “That’s no secret.”

The Patriots [team stats] coach inserted 43-year-old quarterback Vinny Testaverde [stats] into a 33-23 game with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and the ball at the Tennessee 36-yard line. He then called three straight pass plays, enabling Testaverde to extend his own little piece of history.

Testaverde followed a 23-yard strike to Chad Jackson with a 6-yard score to Troy Brown [stats], giving Testaverde a touchdown pass for an NFL-record 20th straight season.

“That’s not why I came here,” Testaverde said. “I didn’t come here to throw another touchdown. I came here to get a ring.”

His teammates and coaches seemed pretty excited about the score. In a scene reminiscent of Doug Flutie’s dropkick during last year’s finale, the Patriots streamed onto the field following Testaverde’s toss. Belichick thrust both arms over his head.

FOXBORO - Last year, it was Doug Flutie’s drop kick. This year, could it be another touchdown pass for Vinny Testaverde?

As was the case a year ago, the Patriots [team stats] enter their finale with a playoff berth clinched. They’ve got a shot at the No. 3 seed in the AFC, but will more likely finish fourth.

So not a ton is riding on tomorrow’s game against the Tennessee Titans [team stats]. And that’s where Testaverde comes in.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick respects both the history of the game and the players who have served it the longest. He seems to have a particular affinity for Testaverde, who 12 years ago piloted the Browns to the lone playoff berth of Belichick’s tenure.

FOXBORO - If you think it’s a little strange watching quarterback Vinny Testaverde [stats] come on to the field to take a knee at the end of blowouts, it’s nothing compared to what it’s like seeing him stroll through the Patriots [team stats] locker room on any given Wednesday.

You stand in the midst of huge, young men, tattoos and cornrows everywhere, and suddenly out of the corner of your eye you catch this tall, slender, older gentleman with grey-speckled hair and whiskers slowly walk by. He’s wearing a sweat suit and carrying a ratty old work bag. Picture Harold Ramis, at 6-foot-5, in a Patriots baseball hat. Your first thought is that one of the accountants from upstairs must be coming through to use a treadmill. Or maybe the team dentist.

But it’s just the 43-year-old Testaverde punching the clock.

#14: Testaverde played a huge roll in Miami's upsurge as a national power during the 1980s and '90s. In '86, he threw for 2,557, 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

#20: Torretta threw for 3,080 yards with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and beat out San Diego State sophomore Marshall Faulk.

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said last week that, had their playoff picture been a little clearer, the Cowboys would have been interested in bringing back QB Vinny Testaverde, until the Patriots signed him last week. The Cowboys have only two QBs on the roster -- Tony Romo and Drew Bledsoe -- and don't consider practice-squadder Matt Baker anywhere near ready to contribute.

(profootballnews.com)

FOXBOROUGH -- Tom Brady liked what he saw after spotting newly signed quarterback Vinny Testaverde for the first time at Gillette Stadium this week.

"He's a very impressive guy, in great shape," Brady said. "I hope I look like that when I'm 43. I'll probably be in a wheelchair."

Testaverde, who turned 43 Monday , participated in his first practice with the Patriots yesterday. He donned jersey No. 14, long associated with former quarterback Steve Grogan.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass (AP) -- Vinny Testaverde, who came out of retirement last season to help out the New York Jets, was signed on Tuesday by New England.

The 43-year-old quarterback, the first overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 1987 draft, has played 19 NFL seasons and has 269 touchdown passes, eighth in NFL history, and is sixth with 45,252 yards passing.

He becomes the third quarterback on the Patriots roster, behind Tom Brady and second-year man Matt Cassel.

You knew there would be a Vinny Testaverde sighting at some point.
Interesting that it’s coming now.
The 42-year-old, 20-year veteran quarterback was in Foxboro yesterday for a workout and visit with team officials. Of course, Testaverde hardly needs an introduction to Bill Belichick and personnel director Scott Pioli, whom he played under in Cleveland and with the Jets. The fact the Pats felt the need to get a firsthand look at him, and likely give him a physical, means their interest is beyond cursory.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Former New York Jets stars Vinny Testaverde and Wayne Chrebet will appear in fundraising ads for the proposed World Trade Center memorial honoring victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, the team and the WTC Memorial Foundation announced Friday.