Director of Player Development
Eric Vance enters his fourth season with the Buccaneers as Director of Player Development. Vance, a former safety with the Buccaneers from 1998-01, serves as the primary contact between the players, coaches and the community. Vance’s responsibilities include facilitating the league’s personal conduct policy and implementing Buccaneer University which involves helping players with continuing education, financial education, career transition and other off-field issues. He is also the main liaison between the players and the club’s community relations department, and encourages player involvement in charities and community activities.
Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Vance spent time as a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial and as a teacher at Robinson High School in Tampa. In 2005, he was named the Ida S. Baker Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year.
Vance spent four seasons (1998-01) with the Buccaneers, playing in 33 games with one start. He also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers in 1997.
Vance graduated from Vanderbilt University with a double major in mathematics and secondary education. He was also a four-year starter, along with a team captain. He also earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.
Vance and his wife, Inika, reside in Tampa with daughter, Jalyn, and son, Jordan.
