John Vignone was one of the most versatile athletes in SU Sports history. He was a two-way standout at running back and especially at defensive back for SU in the Jim Garrett era. John’s 22 career interceptions set a new school record which still stands today. He earned four varsity letters in football, ending his career with 1,309 yards, then sixth all time in rushing at SU, despite playing halfback in a fullback-oriented offense. His blocking and big-down pass catching made him a “money guy” who his teammates could count on to come through in the clutch moments of any game.
A three-sport star, John also earned four varsity letters in baseball and lettered twice in basketball. On the diamond, he was the Crusaders' leading hitter in three of his four seasons. His .424 batting average as a freshman in 1962 is still the 14th highest season average in SU baseball history. His speed served him well in the outfield and on the basepaths. He was inducted into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1974.
After graduation, John played three seasons (1965, 1966, 1967) in the Houston Astros baseball organization. John then played pro football for the Orlando Panthers (1969) in the Continental Football League, the Jersey Tigers (1970) and Bridgeport Jets (1972) in the Atlantic Coast Football League and for the Houston Texans/Shreveport Steamers (1974) in the World Football League.
Following graduation from SU in 1965, completion of his professional careers in two different sports and some graduate studies at Penn State, John became an assistant coach at Columbia University under Head Coach Jim Garrett. John later moved to Florida where he became a high school history teacher and football coach at Lake Howell High School. John was much loved by the community prior to his untimely passing in 2001.
