Nick Vigil (born August 20, 1993) is an American professional football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Utah State,[1] 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.

Nick Vigil
refer to caption
Vigil with the Bengals in 2019
No. 41 – Dallas Cowboys
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1993-08-20) August 20, 1993 (age 31)
Plain City, Utah, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:239 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school:Fremont (UT)
College:Utah State (2012–2015)
NFL draft:2016 / round: 3 / pick: 87
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:445
Sacks:5.0
Forced fumbles:2
Fumble recoveries:5
Pass deflections:17
Interceptions:3
Defensive touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Vigil attended Fremont High School in Plain City, Utah, where he played football and basketball. In football, Vigil committed to play college football at Utah State University.

College career

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As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Vigil started four of 14 games. He finished the season with 57 tackles and a team-leading 5.5 sacks.[2] During his sophomore year, Vigil started all 13 games and finished the season with a team-leading 6 forced fumbles, 6 quarterback hurries, 123 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. As a junior in 2015, he started all 13 games with 144 tackles: good enough for sixth in the nation. After his junior year, he announced his intentions to enter the 2016 NFL draft.

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Vigil attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but chose to skip the bench press due to a pectoral injury. Vigil finished first among all linebackers participating at the NFL Combine in the short shuttle and three-cone drill, while finishing tenth in the 40-yard dash.[3] On April 6, 2016, he participated in Utah State's pro day and opted to stand on the majority of combine numbers. Vigil performed the bench press and improved his times in the 40-yard dash (4.65s), 20-yard dash (2.70s), and 10-yard dash (1.58s). He conducted a private workout with the Atlanta Falcons and attended pre-draft visits with the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears.[4][5] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Vigil was projected to be a fifth or sixth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.[6]

External videos
  Nick Vigil's NFL Combine Workout
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 2+38 in
(1.89 m)
239 lb
(108 kg)
32+38 in
(0.82 m)
10+14 in
(0.26 m)
4.72 s 1.61 s 2.72 s 4.00 s 6.73 s 31.5 in
(0.80 m)
9 ft 7 in
(2.92 m)
15 reps
All values from NFL Combine[7]

Cincinnati Bengals

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2016

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The Cincinnati Bengals selected Vigil in the third round (87th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.[8] Vigil was the 11th linebacker drafted in 2016.[9]

External videos
  Bengals draft Nick Vigil 87th overall

On May 10, 2016, the Bengals signed Vigil to a four-year, $3.11 million contract that included a signing bonus of $695,629.[10][11]

During training camp, Vigil competed for the role of backup linebacker against Paul Dawson and Marquis Flowers.[12] Vigil earned praise for his performance during training camp and drew comparisons to the Carolina Panthers' Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly.[13] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Vigil the backup weakside linebacker, behind Vincent Rey, to begin the regular season.[14]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Bengals season-opener at the New York Jets and made one solo tackle in their 23–22 victory. On January 1, 2017, Vigil accrued a season-high six combined tackles and broke up a pass during a 27–10 win against the Baltimore Ravens.[15] Vigil finished his rookie season in 2016 with 21 combined tackles (15 solo) and one pass deflection in 16 games and zero starts.[16]

2017

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Vigil entered training camp as a candidate to receive the job as the starting strongside linebacker after the Bengals opted not to re-sign Karlos Dansby.[17] Vigil competed for the role against Marquis Flowers and rookie Jordan Evans. Vigil had an impressive preseason and was ultimately named the starting strongside linebacker to begin the regular season.[18] He started alongside weakside linebacker Vontaze Burfict and middle linebacker Kevin Minter.[19]

He made his first career start in the Bengals' season-opener against the Ravens and recorded ten combined tackles (six solo), broke up a pass, and made his first career interception during their 20–0 loss. Vigil intercepted a pass attempt by Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, that was originally a screen pass intended for running back Terrance West, during the third quarter.[20] On October 1, 2017, Vigil collected a season-high 12 combined tackles and made his first career sack during a 31–7 victory at the Cleveland Browns in Week 4. Vigil sacked Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer for a seven-yard loss in the second quarter.[21] In Week 12, Vigil suffered a significant ankle injury during a 30–16 win against the Cleveland Browns and was inactive for three games (Weeks 13–15). On December 22, 2017, the Bengals officially placed Vigil on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.[22] He finished the 2017 NFL season with 79 combined tackles (45 solo), five pass deflections, one interception, and one sack in 11 games and 11 starts.[16]

2018

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During training camp, Vigil competed against Carl Lawson to be the starting strongside linebacker after Lawson performed well in Vigil's absence.[23] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Vigil the starting strongside linebacker to start the regular season, alongside Jordan Evans and middle linebacker Preston Brown.[24] He started in the Bengals' season-opener at the Indianapolis Colts and collected a season-high 11 solo tackles during their 34–23 victory. In Week 3, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 31–21 loss at the Panthers.[25] In Week 6, Vigil suffered a knee injury during the first quarter of a 28-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and missed the next two games (Weeks 7–8).[26]

2019

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In week 4 against the Steelers, Vigil recorded a team high 11 tackles and forced a fumble off rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson in the 27–3 loss.[27] In week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Vigil recorded a team high 13 tackles in the 26–23 loss.[28] In week 6 against the Ravens, Vigil made a team high 13 tackles and recovered a fumble forced on tight end Mark Andrews in the 23–17 loss.[29] In week 11 against the Oakland Raiders, Vigil recorded a team high 12 tackles and recovered a fumble forced by teammate Josh Tupou on Josh Jacobs in the 17–10 loss.[30] In week 14 against the Browns, Vigil recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Baker Mayfield during the 27–19 loss.[31]

Los Angeles Chargers

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On March 30, 2020, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Vigil to a one-year contract.[32] Vigil made his debut with the Chargers in Week 1 against his former team, the Bengals. During the game, Vigil recorded 5 tackles and recovered a fumble lost by Joe Mixon in the 16–13 win.[33] In Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football, Vigil led the team with nine tackles and recorded his first sack as a Charger on Derek Carr during the 30–27 overtime win.[34]

Minnesota Vikings (first stint)

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After becoming a free agent again following the 2020 season, Vigil signed a one-year contract worth up to $2.25 million with the Minnesota Vikings on April 6, 2021.[35][36] He played in 16 games with 12 starts, finishing fourth on the team with 85 tackles.

Arizona Cardinals

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On March 22, 2022, Vigil signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals.[37] He was placed on injured reserve on October 8.[38]

New York Jets

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On August 6, 2023, Vigil signed with the Jets.[39] He was released on August 28.[40]

Minnesota Vikings (second stint)

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On August 31, 2023, Vigil signed with the practice squad of the Vikings.[41] He was signed to the active roster on November 11, 2023.[42] Vigil was released on December 23.[43] He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 29.[44]

Dallas Cowboys

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On August 6, 2024, Vigil signed with the Dallas Cowboys.[45] He was released during roster cuts on August 27, 2024, and re-signed with the team the next day.[46][47] He was promoted to the active roster on October 5.

Personal life

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Vigil is the younger brother of former linebacker Zach Vigil.[48]

References

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  1. ^ Auman, Greg (April 22, 2016). "New name on Bucs' radar: Utah State LB Nick Vigil". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  2. ^ "Nick Vigil - Football". Utah State University Athletics. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  3. ^ Gates, Christopher (February 29, 2016). "2016 NFL Scouting Combine Workout Results: Linebacker". dailynorseman.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  4. ^ Householder, Sam (April 18, 2016). "Updated list of Bears draft prospect visits". windycitygridiron.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  5. ^ Freeman, Aaron (April 24, 2016). "Atlanta Falcons 2016 Draft Interest Tracker". falcfans.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  6. ^ "*Nick Vigil, DS #7 ILB, Utah State". draftscout.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  7. ^ "NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Nick Vigil". www.nfl.com.
  8. ^ "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  9. ^ Mauss, Jeremy (April 29, 2016). "2016 NFL Draft: Utah State's Nick Vigil drafted by Cincinnati Bengals". mwcconnection.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  10. ^ Marcum, Jason (May 10, 2016). "Nick Vigil signs rookie deal with Bengals". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  11. ^ "Spotrac.com: Nick Vigil contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  12. ^ Skinner, Richard (July 24, 2016). "Bengals 2016 Position Breakdown Part VI: Linebacker". Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  13. ^ Larrabee, Kirk (June 3, 2016). "Bengals third-round pick LB Nick Vigil drawing heavy praise". 247sports.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  14. ^ Tasman, Kyle (September 6, 2016). "Bengals release first depth chart of 2016". Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  15. ^ "NFL Player stats: Nick Vigil (2016)". NFL.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  16. ^ a b "NFL Player stats: Nick Vigil (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  17. ^ "NFL camp openings: Cincinnati Bengals' bad boys fight for jobs". UPI.com. July 27, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  18. ^ "Bengals preseason Week 2: Nick Vigil hype is real". cincyjungle.com. August 24, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  19. ^ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  20. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - September 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  21. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns - October 1st, 2017". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  22. ^ Marcum, Jason (December 22, 2017). "Nick Vigil put on injured reserve; Kent Perkins signed from practice squad". CincyJungle.com.
  23. ^ Judis, Patrick (May 19, 2018). "What NFL.com got wrong about the Bengals' starting lineup". Cincy Jungle. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  24. ^ "Bengals depth chart: Alex Redmond to start at right guard in Week 1". cincyjungle.com. September 4, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  25. ^ "NFL Player stats: Nick Vigil (2018)". NFL.com. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  26. ^ "Bengals LB Nick Vigil declared out after suffering knee injury vs. Steelers". cincyjungle.com. October 14, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  27. ^ "Steelers break out of funk, stomp Bengals 27-3". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  28. ^ "Kyler Murray leads Cardinals to 1st win, 26-23 over Bengals". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
  29. ^ "Jackson runs, passes Ravens past winless Bengals 23-17". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 13, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  30. ^ "Carr, Jacobs, Crosby help Raiders keep Bengals winless". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  31. ^ "Browns stay in playoff hunt, ground out 27-19 win over Cincy". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  32. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Announce Free Agency Moves". Chargers.com. March 30, 2020.
  33. ^ DeArdo, Bryan (September 13, 2020). "Bengals vs. Chargers final score: Turnovers, missed field goal spoil Joe Burrow's NFL debut". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  34. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders - December 17th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  35. ^ Ragatz, Will (March 16, 2021). "Vikings Sign Ex-Chargers, Bengals Linebacker Nick Vigil For Veteran Depth". SI.com. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  36. ^ Peters, Craig (April 6, 2021). "Nick Vigil Brings Experience as Starter, Special Teamer & Bull Rider to Vikings". Vikings.com. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  37. ^ Urban, Darren (March 22, 2022). "Cardinals Sign Linebacker Nick Vigil To One-Year Deal". Arizona Cardinals. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  38. ^ Urban, Darren (October 8, 2022). "Cardinals Activate Antonio Hamilton To 53-Man Roster". AZCardinals.com. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  39. ^ Greenberg, Ethan (August 6, 2023). "Jets Sign LB Nick Vigil, LB Sam Eguavoen". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  40. ^ Greenberg, Ethan; Allen, Eric (August 28, 2023). "Jets Make 4 Roster Moves Ahead of Final Cuts". NewYorkJets.com.
  41. ^ Peters, Craig (August 31, 2023). "Vikings Add 4, Including 2021 LB Nick Vigil, to Practice Squad". Vikings.com. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  42. ^ Peters, Craig (November 11, 2023). "Vikings Sign Nick Vigil, Elevate Sean Mannion & T.J. Smith Before Saints Game". Vikings.com. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  43. ^ La Rose, Adam (December 23, 2023). "Vikings Activate LB Jordan Hicks From IR, Waive LB Nick Vigil". Pro Football Rumors. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  44. ^ Young, Lindsey (December 29, 2023). "Vikings Sign Anthony Barr to Active Roster; Nick Vigil to Practice Squad". Vikings.com. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  45. ^ Harris, Nick (August 6, 2024). "Cowboys sign three players among six roster moves". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  46. ^ Walker, Patrik (August 27, 2024). "2024 Cowboys Roster: Carl Lawson, Kemon Hall, 4 RBs included in roster trimming". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  47. ^ Walker, Patrik (August 28, 2024). "Carl Lawson, Dalvin Cook headline list of Dallas Cowboys' practice squad signings". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  48. ^ "Nick Vigil Utah State profile". UtahStateAggies.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
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