Michael Vinson

Michael Thomas Vinson (born August 27, 1999) is an American professional football long snapper. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was a first-team All-American in 2022.

Early life Vinson was born in Winnetka, Illinois. He first began snapping footballs when in fifth grade and over time became more interested about being a long snapper. When in eighth grade, he read an article about John Shannon, a long snapper for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and decided his goal was to be like him. He attended New Trier High School in Winnetka and was put on the freshman "B" football team in his first year.

College career Vinson was backup to his inspiration, John Shannon, during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He repeated playing every game in 2021 and was put on scholarship after the season.

Prior to the 2022 season, Vinson signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with the American Dairy Association of Indiana. He again played every game in 2022 and at the end of the year was selected first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He returned for a final season in 2023, citing hopes of a future National Football League (NFL) career.