Boise State football has always been defined by players with heart — and few stories capture that spirit better than Vinny Perretta. A wide receiver from Encinitas, California, Vinny’s journey from a preferred walk-on to one of the program’s most memorable playmakers is the type of story that fuels the dreams of every athlete who dares to bet on themselves.
Growing up in Southern California, Vinny knew he wanted to play Division I football at the highest level. When St. Mary’s College offered him a scholarship, it seemed like the perfect chance — until the program announced it was shutting down. Rather than settle, Vinny looked elsewhere and found Boise State, a program on the rise with an offense built for players like him. His high school coach connected him with the Broncos, and soon he was on a plane to Idaho for an unofficial visit. What he found on that trip changed the course of his life.
“I instantly fell in love with Boise, the campus, and the culture,” Vinny remembers. “Coach Hawkins and Coach Petersen made me feel wanted and told me about the success of their walk-on program. They promised that if I came in and earned it, they’d give me a scholarship. I was up for the challenge.”
The decision wasn’t without sacrifice. As an out-of-state student, Vinny had to pay full tuition, and there were no guarantees he’d ever earn a scholarship. Every practice, every rep, every meeting was a chance to prove he belonged. “I couldn’t afford an off day,” he says. “Being at the bottom of the barrel forced me to work harder than anyone else. I had to be locked in on day one.” That focus paid off — after just one semester, Vinny was called into Coach Hawkins’ office and awarded a scholarship. It was the moment everything became real. “I called my parents right away. It felt good that others recognized the work and dedication I had put in. All the blood, sweat, and tears had come full circle.”
But earning a scholarship wasn’t the finish line — it was just the beginning. Vinny’s walk-on mentality stayed with him for the rest of his career. He continued to push himself, holding himself accountable to his coaches, teammates, and to the standard he had set. That mentality translated into some of the biggest moments in Boise State history — including the legendary trick play in the Fiesta Bowl, where Vinny threw a game-tying touchdown pass that will forever be part of Bronco lore.
Looking back, Vinny sees his walk-on journey as one of the most defining experiences of his life. “It forced me to never take my foot off the gas,” he says. “I wanted to prove every day why I had earned that scholarship. That mindset carries into business and life — tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” After a season with the Minnesota Vikings, Vinny transitioned into a successful career in the medical device industry before joining TitleOne, where he continues to make an impact. He and his wife — whom he met during their days as student-athletes at Boise State — have built a life in Boise, raising three kids in the city they fell in love with years ago.
For Vinny, the memories go far beyond the touchdowns and the wins. “I was fortunate to earn a degree, to be coached by incredible leaders, and to build friendships that will last a lifetime,” he reflects. “But my favorite memory is meeting my wife. Football gave me more than I could have imagined.”
When asked what advice he’d give to future walk-ons, Vinny doesn’t hesitate: “Show up every day, give 110 percent, and never be on the coaches’ radar for the wrong reason. You can’t just flash once in a while — you have to prove it day in and day out. The rest will take care of itself.”
Vinny Perretta’s story is more than just a highlight reel. It’s a testament to what’s possible when grit, discipline, and belief collide. For anyone chasing a dream — whether on the field or off — his journey is a reminder that the path to greatness is rarely given. It’s earned, one rep at a time.
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