The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorn Spotlight: Kenny Vaccaro
12.02.2011 | Football
Dec. 2, 2011
Jackie LaPenta, Texas Media Relations
Texas Longhorns junior safety Kenny Vaccaro made his eleventh consecutive start in the secondary against Texas A&M on Thanksgiving. While his statistics after the game revealed an impressive showing, one number stood out above the rest - his jersey number.
Vaccaro opted out of wearing his Texas number "4" jersey and instead paid tribute to injured senior running back Fozzy Whittaker by wearing a nameless number "2" jersey.
"I did it out of respect for him because he is a great leader, and I look up to him the most of anyone on the team," Vaccaro said. "I originally had my name on the jersey, and I told them to take it off. I didn't want any attention drawn to me and just wanted to do it for him."
Vaccaro was able to channel Whittaker's energy as he made a key interception in the game, which led to a touchdown late in the third quarter.
"I just wanted to go out there and play hard for him and get this team a win against A&M," Vaccaro said.
This act of compassion may not seem cohesive with the gritty exterior that Vaccaro displays. His physicality and notoriously hard hits on the field create a tenacious image that is further enhanced by his overwhelming number of tattoos.
"A lot of guys get tattoos just to have ink on them, but I can explain everything on my body," Vaccaro said. "I wait until I get a truly great idea and have had a plan for everything I wanted to get."
With over 40 tattoos, his personality reads like an open book with his heart literally on his sleeve. Vaccaro's identity is hugely devoted to his family, teammates and Jesus Christ. These principles exude from the decorated artwork that covers his body.
"The majority of my tattoos are Christian and family based," Vaccaro explained. "My first one I got when I was 17 years old [on my upper right arm] for my father who passed away two years before. It is a cross with the words `I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.'"
Several other tattoos he has include a depiction of Christ reigning on earth through a sketch of Jesus holding the world together, the quote, "Walk by faith, not by sight," and the recognition of sin existing in the world by an image of the earth being broken open.
Another message publicly promoted throughout these designs is the value of family. Vaccaro places a significant emphasis on the influence his family has had on both his life and football career.
"My mom has been the biggest impact as far as support," Vaccaro said. "She may not know exactly what is happening on the field, but as far as motivation she has been there more than 100 percent."
This season, Vaccaro has registered 72 tackles, six TFL, two interceptions, one sack and five quarterback pressures. He ranks third on the Longhorns defense in pass break-ups (8) and recorded a career-high 13 tackles at UCLA.
With his junior year coming to a close, Vaccaro is confident in his abilities to be a senior leader for the team next year.
"I am ready for it," Vaccaro said. "I already consider myself to be one of the leaders on this team so it will be an exciting [time.]"
