Vince Kendrick dies at age 63, scored first Bucs’ TD

Vince Kendrick dies at age 63, scored first Bucs’ TD

Vince Kendrick, who scored the first touchdown in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, and a former Florida Gators fullback died Saturday after a battle with cancer. He was 63.

Kendrick was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 1974 NFL college draft. In 1976, he was selected by the Bucs in the NFL expansion draft, and scored on a 1-yard run during a 10-6 preseason loss against Green Bay at Milwaukee.

Playing under coach Doug Dickey from 1971 to 1973, Kendrick was one of the University of Florida’s first Black players. After retiring from the NFL, he served as UF’s running backs coach on Charley Pell’s staff from 1979 to 1983.

After coaching, Kendrick lived in Deerfield Beach. Vince created a long-term plan for the City of Deerfield Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department. His efforts also led to construction of the sports complex and aquatic center and increased municipal athletic programs.

Most importantly, Kendrick used matching grant funding to convert $6 million in general obligation bond proceeds to $18 million. He also led the city’s acquisition of privately-held land to expand public spaces.