Occupation ▪ Development Officer for LSU
Wife ▪ Angie
Children ▪ Justus, 3
Hobbies ▪ Hunting, fishing, and golf
From the farm to the football field, Justin Vincent has experienced some feats that others could only dream about. Justin grew up in Lake Charles on a farm, and before his dad convinced his mom to let him play football, he was all about calf roping. He had a cowboy hat and boots to match, too.
Justin chased his dream of playing professionally, and he accomplished that dream. However, he has different goals now. As a father to an adorable three year old, Justin is focused on family time and helping the organization that molded him into the man he is today.
Tell me about your son.
J: Justus is as wild and rambunctious as a three year old can be. There’s never a dull moment with him. He’s into dinosaurs and dragons right now, and he loves anything with water.
What do you like to do as a family?
J: We go to the movies, and every day, we walk to the pond in our neighborhood so Justus can plan on the playground there. We have a miniature basketball goal in the house, so we’ll play. Justus also likes us to lay on the floor and play dinosaurs with him.
What’s the greatest thing about being a dad?
J: Knowing you’re responsible for raising this young person and molding him and teaching him.
How has parenthood changed you?
J: It’s a very great feeling, but it’s also very humbling. You’re in it for him, and you worry about him now. It changed my everyday outlook.
What do you love most about your job and working with LSU?
J: I get to help the place that molded me. I learned how to be tough here. I made so many friends, and they all had a hand in helping make me who I am today.
How do you balance work and family time?
J: I used to work from 7 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week, so the cool part of this job is, I now work 8 a.m.-5 p.m. I never knew what free time was because of athletics, but now, I make the most of it.
What kind of dad are you?
J: I’m a fun dad. We’re always playing and laughing. It’s pretty cool.
What advice do you often give your son?
J: I whisper into his ear every day and tell him, “You’re special.” I tell him to chase his dreams, because I did! I won’t let him quit either. If he wants to do something, I want him to keep going until the road ends.
What’s the best parenting advice you have ever been given?
J: Let your kid be a kid, and don’t be afraid to be your kid’s friend. Also, every moment is a teaching moment.
What was your first job? What life lessons did it teach you?
J: My first job was as a professional football player, but it taught me to be firm in what you believe in. Fight for everything and give it all you’ve got.
What personality trait of yours do you hope your son also has?
J: Outgoing, and I think he has it already. He loves to have fun and hug. I used to be so shy, and I don’t know what happened, but I think I’m an outgoing person now.
What’s your favorite date night with your wife?
J: We have date night every Thursday. We will either Waitr something or go to a restaurant.
Which family member has been your greatest role model in life?
J: My mom. She laid the law down, and she was my rock. She only missed one game and it was because of a work emergency. She travelled everywhere with me.
What are some things you learned from football about life and parenting?
J: In life, there are ups and downs, and it’s all about how you respond to them. Everyone goes through something, but you learn to grind. You don’t wait around for things to happen, you make them happen.
What’s your favorite football memory, either from your career or your love of the game?
J: Winning the National Championship meant a lot. It was the first big thing I did in my career. A lot of people ask me what my favorite memory of Tiger Stadium is…and I remember, I was in my freshman year, we were playing Georgia, and our defense had just done a play. I was standing on the sidelines and it was like I had two amps plugged into my years. I stood there listening like, “This is why it’s called Death Valley.”
Do you have any advice for other parents?
J: Let your kid be a kid, and be patient. ■
Quick Q&A
The parenting item I couldn’t live without…my wife. Justus loves his mommy!
Favorite movie growing up…Howard the Duck and Maximum Overdrive.
Music I’m loving…old school R&B and Zydeco.
I feel my best when I…take a shower.
My favorite television show is…Yellowstone.
My favorite ice cream is…Cookies and Cream.
