Back In The Saddle Resilient Testaverde gets a new start By Matthew Kredell LA Daily News 8/23/04 Vinny Testaverde has lived about five lifetimes in his 17 NFL seasons. The lights on his professional football career have gone on and off more times than at a haunted house. This time, it's a familiar face flicking on the switch. Bill Parcells brought Testaverde to Dallas as the backup to Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter. But the surprise release of Carter at the beginning of training camp put the spotlight back on Testaverde, who turns 41 in November. "I've certainly had some tougher years than others," Testaverde said. "But I think (I keep coming back) because I know what it takes to be successful. I'm mentally tough enough to bounce back from whatever unfortunate things may happen throughout a year." This marks the first time since 2001 that Testaverde has a chance to play a full season as a starter. It's a challenge, but he has faced challenges his entire career. It looked like Testaverde was done when the New York Jets cut him loose after last season. Quarterbacks over 40 aren't exactly in great demand. Then again, it appeared his starting days were over when the Jets named Chad Pennington the starter in 2002. Yet, last year, Pennington got injured and Testaverde started seven games. Testaverde also could have called it quits in 1999 when he ruptured his Achilles' tendon in the season opener. And his career appeared on life support right from the beginning with six miserable years in Tampa Bay. Yet, here is Testaverde, about to become the sixth-oldest quarterback to start an NFL game when Dallas opens Sept. 12 against Minnesota. "When I'm that age, I don't know if I'll still be playing or if I'll even want to," said Drew Henson, the Cowboys rookie quarterback at the other end of the spectrum. "The fact that he's able to do that - and he's one of the better-conditioned players on the team - it's amazing." The motivation behind Testaverde's resilience dates back to his senior year at the University of Miami. After leading Miami to its first undefeated regular season and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1986, Testaverde threw two fourth-quarter interceptions in the Fiesta Bowl that cost the Hurricanes the national title. Testaverde still was drafted No. 1 overall. But he had to spend six years at Tampa Bay - then the worst team in the league - never winning more than six games in a season. Those early years left Testaverde with a hunger to win that never has waned. "I think one thing every player wants is to win a championship," Testaverde said. "You have to do that. That's one of the main reasons I came out here." The closest Testaverde came to winning a Super Bowl was in 1998, when he helped lead the Jets to the AFC Championship Game. Coincidentally, that was the last time he worked with Parcells and new Cowboys receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Testaverde had his best season that year, throwing for 29 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. Those three have a chemistry they hope will allow them to pick up from that missed opportunity. Testaverde is a Parcells guy. They understand each other, and Testaverde knows the offense Parcells runs. "I absolutely think this team has the talent to win the Super Bowl," Testaverde said. "I watched them last year make the playoffs from a 5-11 team (the previous year). I think the team's improved. Just playing for Bill Parcells will give you a chance right there." There is reason for optimism. Every team Parcells has coached has had a minimum improvement of three victories in his second year. That would mean 13-3 for the Cowboys this season. And even last season in limited action with the Jets, Testaverde's quarterback rating of 90.6 was far higher than Carter's 71.4. As usual, Testaverde is the key to the Cowboys' success. The defense, No. 1 in the league last season, is there. The coaching is top notch. The running game with veteran Eddie George and rookie Julius Jones is solid. The receivers - Johnson, Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant - will provide Testaverde with good targets. The biggest question mark is whether Testaverde still has it. "It's good to have him at quarterback again, but we have a lot of work to do." Johnson said.