Small city felt fine to Workman
By Martin Hendricks, Special to the Journal Sentinel
April 25, 2012
Vince Workman File
College: Ohio State.
Packer years: 1989-'92.
Packer highlights: Led Packers in rushing in 1992 with 631 yards in 159 carries for a 4.0 average with two touchdowns. Fourth-leading receiver on team in 1992 with 47 catches for 290 yards. Scored 11 touchdowns in 1991 (seven rushing, four receiving) for 66 points, second only to kicker Chris Jacke's 85 points. Holds team record for most receptions by a running back in a game (12 for 50 yards vs. Minnesota on Sept. 6, 1992). Played in 56 regular-season games.
Other teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993-'94); Carolina Panthers (1995); Indianapolis Colts (1995-'96).
Jersey number: 46.
Residence: Stamford, Conn.
Occupation: Personal fitness trainer.
Vince Workman was a bit nervous and apprehensive on the first day of the 1989 National Football League draft.
The Ohio State running back was at his aunt and uncle's home, awaiting his fate as the draft unfolded.
After a stellar prep career at Dublin (Ohio) High School, Workman had a solid collegiate career highlighted by a 1,030-yard season during his sophomore year.
Workman cautiously expected to be selected in the draft, but there were no guarantees.
"I had hopes, I had dreams of being drafted," Workman said. "But I knew I wouldn't be a high-round draft pick."
Workman went to his relatives' house because they had cable television, and he could watch the NFL draft live on ESPN.
Workman had not been selected as the draft was in the middle of the fifth round, so he turned off the television. A few minutes later, the telephone rang.
"It was the landline; I didn't have a cellphone back then," he said. "It was Willie Peete of the Green Bay Packers."
The Packers running backs coach had a question for Workman.
"He said, 'Would you like to be a Green Bay Packer?' " Workman said. "I said, 'I'd love to.' "
Workman spoke for a few minutes with Peete, whose son Rodney, a standout USC quarterback, also would be chosen.
He hung up the phone and told his family he was Green Bay's second pick in the fifth round (127th overall). The Packers chose receiver Jeff Query from Millikin College with their 124th selection and Tony Mandarich with their first selection.
Workman's aunt and uncle were getting ready for bed, "so I was pretty much by myself. I was really excited, but there was no hoopla or party."
The hype and media circus was reserved for Mandarich. Workman had never even been to Green Bay and had only traveled to the state when the Buckeyes played the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison.
"The first time I was in Green Bay was when I reported for minicamp in May," Workman said. "And it was crazy with Mandarich's holdout. Green Bay was a smaller city, so I had no problem adjusting to life there."
Workman grew up in Dublin, a suburb of Columbus in central Ohio. He was a natural running back as a youngster, dominating games with his neighborhood buddies.
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