Nick Vigil Bio
Nick Vigil (born August 20, 1993) is an American professional football linebacker of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Minnesota Vikings. Vigil’s career in the NFL has been marked by his versatility and ability to adapt to various defensive schemes, making him a valuable asset to his teams.
Early Life and Background
Nick Vigil was born in Plain City, Utah, where he attended Fremont High School. During his high school years, he excelled in both football and basketball. His performances on the football field earned him a scholarship to play college football at Utah State University, where he further developed his skills and showcased his potential as a linebacker.
Path to American Football
At Utah State, Nick Vigil made an immediate impact as a redshirt freshman in 2013, starting four of 14 games and finishing the season with 57 tackles and 5.5 sacks. His sophomore year saw him start all 13 games, leading the team with 123 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. By his junior year, he had established himself as one of the top linebackers in college football, finishing the season with 144 tackles, which ranked sixth in the nation. After a standout college career, Vigil declared for the NFL draft in 2016, where he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Nick Vigil Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Nick Vigil began his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team and quickly made a name for himself during training camp, earning praise for his performance. Vigil made his professional debut in the Bengals’ season opener against the New York Jets, recording one solo tackle. Over his rookie season, he accumulated 21 combined tackles and one pass deflection in 16 games.
Breakthrough (2017-2019)
Vigil’s breakthrough came in his second season when he was named the starting strongside linebacker. He made his first career start in the Bengals’ season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where he recorded ten combined tackles and his first career interception. Throughout the 2017 season, he continued to impress, finishing with 79 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and one sack in 11 games. In 2018, he maintained his starting role, contributing significantly to the team’s defense.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Nick Vigil has been recognized for his contributions on the field, including being named a First-team All-Mountain West Conference player in 2014 and 2015. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to make impactful plays, including interceptions and forced fumbles, solidifying his reputation as a reliable linebacker.
Nick Vigil Award Nominations
Nick Vigil has received recognition for his performances on the field, particularly during his college career, where he was named First-team All-Mountain West Conference twice.
Nick Vigil Awards Won
Vigil’s notable achievements include being named First-team All-Mountain West Conference in 2014 and 2015, highlighting his exceptional skills as a linebacker during his college career.
Nick Vigil Family
Nick Vigil is the younger brother of Zach Vigil, who is also a professional football linebacker. The Vigil family has a strong connection to the sport, with both brothers pursuing successful careers in the NFL.
Personal Life
Details about Nick Vigil’s personal life remain private, as he focuses on his professional career. His dedication to football and his family background in the sport have played significant roles in shaping his journey as an athlete.