NFL free agent safety Kenny Vaccaro has decided to shift his focus from playing pro football to pursuing his dream of starting an esports organization. Despite receiving offers from multiple NFL teams this year, Vaccaro said he has decided to compete for a Halo World Championship through his organization Gamers First.
“Technically I am still a free agent,” said Vaccaro. “But this is where my mind has been the past six months. I’m happy where I’m at, doing what I’m doing. I just really felt like this was something deep down inside that I wanted to do. I’ve been a gamer for even longer than I’ve played football, and I’ve always thought of myself as a gamer first. And while football has been how many have defined me, G1 is evidence for other athletes as well that life doesn’t end just because you put down the helmet. You can reinvent yourself.”
Vaccaro, the No. 15 overall selection in the 2013 draft by the New Orleans Saints, spent eight seasons in the league with the Saints and Tennessee Titans. Over his career, Vaccaro amassed 610 tackles, 35 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 10 interceptions and 44 passes defended. He explained that he will miss the daily interactions with teammates in the locker room and the bonds that were created on the football field.
Vaccaro said he plans to manage G1 in a similar manner to NFL franchises. Based in Austin, Texas, the company has already started the process of building out its roster. G1 has signed eight players: four Destiny creators and four Halo professionals along with one coach. The full roster was announced on December 8th. The organization seeks to build an elite gaming crew that motivates others to achieve their dreams and while fostering positive mental health.
(All information was provided by ESPN)
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