A Tribute to TOMMY VARDELL
This page is dedicated to a man I greatly admire, Tommy Vardell. I've been a very big fan of Tommy's ever since he was at Stanford, and throughout his professional football career. Not only is he a tremendously gifted and talented athlete but, and more important, he is a caring and responsive man. Tommy Vardell exemplifies not only what a "role model" is, but what a role model should be, through his deeds and actions both on -- and off -- the playing field. With so many sports stars making headlines for all the wrong reasons these days, it's refreshing (and reassuring) to know that there are still professional athletes -- men like Tommy Vardell -- who are truly concerned about other people, genuinely care to make a difference, and do not take the responsibility (for whether an athlete likes it or not, it IS a responsibility) of being in the public eye lightly.
On February 4, 2000, Tommy retiremed from professional football. As a pro athlete, Tommy Vardell has been the prototype of a dedicated, unselfish, and complete team player. He has battled back from severe knee and ankle injuries which doubtlessly hampered his football career. Much more important than any achievement on any field of sport, however, Tommy has shown himself to be a man of solid values, fine attibutes, gentlemanly demeanor and stellar character; traits many "pro athletes" today, in all venues of sport, would do well to emulate.
Since his retirement, Tommy – along with former 49ers Brent Jones and Mark Harris – founded Northgate Capital, a multi-billion dollar financial corporation. Tommy is a Managing Director at the firm.
Here's a link to Tommy Vardell/Northgate Capital
1997 and 1998 -- The Detroit Lions
Game Films
Tommy spent 2 years as a Detroit Lion, primarily doing a lot of blocking in the backfield, protecting the quarterback and blocking for Sanders. His talents were certainly under-utilized by the Lions.
Even though Tommy didn't get the chance to carry the ball a lot during his time as a Detroit Lion, when he did get the call, he certainly made it count! During the 1998 season, Tommy scored three touchdowns in one game against the Chicago Bears. For 1998, he led the team in TD's (seven), scoring more than any other Lion rusher, including Barry Sanders.
Tommy scores his first touchdown as a Detroit Lion.
Tommy, tackled by an opposing player.
Tommy scores on a short pass from QB Scott Mitchell.
Another touchdown...
And another touchdown...
Touchdown celebration!
Another touchdown run by Tommy.
Cleveland Browns
In 1992, Tommy was the Cleveland Browns' first-round draft pick. He wore the number 44 throughout his entire college and professional football career.
And a Few Football Cards...
VITAL STATISTICS
Height : 6-2
Weight : 234 lbs.
College: Stanford
Drafted: Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 1st round (9th pick) in the 1992 NFL Draft.
Tommy's College Career at Stanford University
"Touchdown Tommy"
For the Cardinal, Tommy rushed for 1,893 yards on 439 carries with 37 touchdowns and no fumbles in his college career.
In 1990, the Stanford Cardinal traveled to South Bend, Indiana to play the top-ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The Cardinal scored 17 points in the second quarter to help lift the team to a 36-31 victory over the Irish. It was then that (former) Stanford head coach Denny Green bestowed on Tommy the most appropriate nickname, "Touchdown Tommy." Vardell scored four touchdowns, all from the 1-yard line. (On a personal note, I was an avid "Irish" fan. This was the first time I ever saw Tommy play in a football game. From that time on, I became a Tommy Vardell fan. And, the more I learned about Tommy, the more I came to admire him.)
Considered an aggressive runner, with quick, slashing moves -- with the ability to lay down clutch blocks -- Tommy was also an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
Tommy ranks second in Stanford's TD history, and third in rushing. Tommy set Stanford records for most yardage in a season (1,084), most TDs in a season (20), most points in a season (120), most rushing TDs in a season (20), most rushing TDs in a career (37), and most carries in a game (39). In 1991, he was selected as the GTE All-Academic All-American Player of the Year as a Senior and All-Pac-10 Academic. Tommy also received the Pop Warner Trophy for 1991, which is presented to the Top Senior Player on the West Coast.
On December 25, 1991, Tommy was named the Stanford Aloha Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP); he scored 2 touchdowns while gaining 104 yards--and left the game in the second-half with a broken collarbone.
College Stats
YEAR TEAM/LEAGUE ATTEMPTS TOTAL YDS TD'S
1988 STANFORD/NCAA 12 37 0
1989 STANFORD/NCAA 60 252 3
1990 STANFORD/NCAA 120 457 17
1991 STANFORD/NCAA 226 1101 20
TOTALS 418 1847 37
Tommy graduated from Stanford with honors, and a degree in Industrial Engineering. He has endowed Stanford with a scholarship for football players who are studying engineering. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the First Round of the 1992 NHL Draft (9th Overall).
I am always looking for photos of Tommy to add to this page; especially from Stanford or when he played with Cleveland (though any photos are greatly appreciated!). Please contact me if you have a photo you can share for this page.
A Little Personal Information
Andrea and Tommy Vardell
Thomas Arthur Vardell was born February 20, 1969, in El Cajon, California. He is active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as well as various youth sports and literacy programs. Some of Tommy's interests include collecting antiques and oriental rugs. Tommy likes to read books on a wide variety of topics, and enjoys delving deeply into subjects that attract his interest.
Tommy, along with his lovely wife, Andrea, enjoys movies and classical music. He and his family reside in California.
Tommy's mom, Travis, is a former fashion model -- and one of the nicest ladies you'd ever want to meet! His father, Ken, is a special agent for the FBI. Tommy has an older brother, Teddy, who used to block for Tommy in high school, and was (and still is) known as "Tailgaitin' Teddy"! It was inaccurately reported (and perpetuated) by the media that Teddy is also an FBI agent; that information is not correct. Teddy did work at the FBI several years ago, as a radio dispatcher. I'd like to thank Teddy for taking the time to clarify this information, as I had originally included it erroneously.
Recently, an indepth three-part interview with Tommy was posted at the "Stanfordfanz" website. Gary Clark, who interviewed Tommy for that site, has graciously permitted me to provide a link to the article. Click here, Stanfordfanz Interview or on the banner below to read this excellent and informative article!
And, finally, I want to say a very heartfelt and special "thank you" to Tommy and
to Teddy Vardell. You two KNOW what a marvelous, amazing thing you did for me -- and
I can't tell you how much I appreciated your generosity and your sweet thoughtfulness!!
I would like to say to their parents, Ken and Travis Vardell: I know you both must be so
very proud of your boys--you sure have raised two wonderful sons!!! I can honestly say I don't
know two finer guys. They're both pretty awesome!
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A Few Select Links
This page was updated on January 28, 2008
© 1999-2008 Always under construction! Rushing and gaining ground, slow but sure...
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