Tommy Vigorito Passes Away

[Fred Bear]

I do too. He was a good Punt return guy

Yes many years ago

 

[Fred Bear]

We had good special teams

 

[Fred Bear]

 

[Arnsy]

RIP Tommy Vigorito. The former Miami Dolphins running back and kick returner passed away TUE (05/13) morning. Vigorito was 65.
A native of Passaic, NJ, Vigorito earned Parade All American honors at DePaul Catholic High School. He later developed into a star running back at the University of Virginia. The Dolphins selected Vigorito in the 5th round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Vigorito had a knack for making people miss on punt returns. He played 4 total seasons in the NFL--all with the Dolphins. But injuries caught up with him, starting in 1983. He missed the entire 1984 season before playing his final game in 1985.
Recently, Vigorito was part of a campaign from the Concussion Legacy Foundation to help raise awareness about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and its impact on football players of all ages. Unfortunately, Vigorito suffered physical and cognitive decline that was most likely caused by CTE. The condition affects countless athletes and veterans who have sustained frequent head trauma. CTE can only be diagnosed after death. Vigorito participated in a Boston University research project hoping to diagnose the condition during life.

I’m old (60) and have been a Dolphin fan for many years.

Vigorito was part of those early (for me) Dolphin teams 1981-83.

He was a great punt returner and pass catching back.

A knee injury in 1983 really limited him

I recall punt returns for TDs vs Pitt and NYJ.

RIP

 

[Dolphins del]

rip coach is waiting for you...

 

[Arnsy]

rip coach is waiting for you...

I remember a 1981 Sports Illustrated article about Mia … and it mentioned Vigorito seeing coach at mass.

You post reminded me of that.

Article also talked about how quick footed Vigorito was…

I hate when former Dolphins die. Makes me feel old.

 

[EasyRider]

RIP Tommy
Loved your speed and returns

 

[Donphan]

Like others I remember him. He was a very good return man and decent third down back.

 

[tommyp]

good guy. had the pleasure of watching him as a kid and then being in the same business as him on Wall street. his office building was next to mine and we would attend some functions together.. may he rest in peace

 

[BigNastyFish]

I was at that game -- in my early 20s with my boss. Glory days & nights in the Bowl! Nothing like it!

Vigorito's return came right down the pipe in my direction! Awesome memory...

Way too young -- sounds like the CTE monster got him. Horrible. Those people suffer before they die.

all the best for his family...