The journey to a new NFL home officially begins for this Alabama standout. Safety Vinnie Sunseri was released from the New Orleans Saints on Monday, per Matt Inabinett of AL.com and Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune.
Two injury-prone seasons led to his release, after Sunseri broke his arm in 2014 and sustained a knee injury during August of last season. He played in nine games as rookie, with much of his time devoted to special teams. New Orleans took him in the fifth round (167th pick) of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Sunseri, who was a star at Northridge (Ala.) High School, was a playmaker under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2011-13.
He recorded 105 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns during his tenure. Sunseri returned two interceptions for scores in 2013, including one off Texas A&M standout Johnny Manziel for a 73-yard touchdown at Kyle Field in the Tide’s 49-42 win.
He would sustain a season-ending knee injury (ACL) in 2013, but Sunseri recovered in time to forgo his senior year and declare for the NFL Draft. He earned two BCS national championships (2011-12) and a Southeastern Conference title in 2012, prior to entering the professional ranks.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
