Vincent Rey: From NFL Team Captain to NFL Team Chaplain

In this episode, Sam and Clif sit down with Vincent Rey—a former linebacker who rose from undrafted free agent to team captain, and now serves as the Cincinnati Bengals chaplain. Vincent shares firsthand what it’s like to navigate identity, purpose, and loss when the roar of the crowd quiets and football isn’t the center anymore. Together, they open up about faith that fills the space left when performance fades, relationships that sharpen, and what it really means to own your journey—on and off the field.

Key Highlights

• Vincent unpacks the shift from “you are what you do” to discovering a deeper identity rooted in Christ, especially during his challenging transition from player to chaplain.

• Through stories of locker room culture and coach expectations, the guys tackle the trap of making performance an idol and the freedom that comes from seeking God’s approval over chasing affirmation from coaches, crowds, or even teammates.

• Vincent reflects on pushing through a significant ankle injury during his last NFL season, wrestling with uncertainty, and learning to trust God when there are more questions than answers.

• The conversation gets practical about money, as Vincent introduces the “What’s your number?” principle—challenging athletes to take responsibility, ask hard questions, and steward their finances biblically instead of outsourcing every decision.

• Treating every moment as a job interview comes to life in Vincent’s story—he explains how character, consistency, and even the way you shake hands matter as much as stats on a depth chart.

• Vincent shares the beauty of marriage and premarital counseling in his chaplain work, describing the bond as a living picture of Christ’s faithfulness to His people and calling athletes to relationships shaped by humility, honesty, and growth.

References

• Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

• Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

• Built 4 Winning by Jeff Friday (Vincent Rey is highlighted as embodying the four foundational pillars): https://www.amazon.com/Built-Winning-Crossing-Between-Business-ebook/dp/B0B8F869NV