Vincent de Paul Draddy, born on January 31, 1907, was an American entrepreneur, athlete, and alumnus of Manhattan College. He later became the chairman of the College Football Hall of Fame. Known for his achievements in sports, business, and philanthropy, his life was marked by professional success and personal tragedy, including the loss of his wife and son. Let’s explore his remarkable journey, contributions to the sportswear industry, and legacy. More on i-manhattan.com.
Early Life and Education
Vincent Draddy attended New Rochelle High School in New York, where he excelled in sports and was teammates with Bill Morton. At Manhattan College, he distinguished himself in three sports: football, basketball, and golf. In 1929, he captained the Manhattan Jaspers football team and became an outstanding defender. His remarkable contributions earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame, where he later served as chairman.
The Vincent de Paul Draddy Trophy, now known as the William V. Campbell Trophy, is awarded by the National Football Foundation (NFF) to the top college football player who exemplifies academic excellence, community service, and performance on the field. It is often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.”
Tragedy and Dedication
Draddy Gymnasium, a multifunctional arena on Manhattan College’s campus in the Bronx, is named in honor of his first wife and their son, Vincent Jr., who tragically died in a car accident in 1953. Draddy remained a committed benefactor to Manhattan College throughout his life.
Career Achievements
A 1930 graduate of Manhattan College, Draddy was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979. He dedicated nearly four decades to working at David Crystal, Inc., a prominent women’s apparel manufacturer on Manhattan’s Seventh Avenue. Marrying the founder’s daughter in 1932, Draddy eventually became the head of the company, popularizing iconic brands such as Izod and Lacoste.
Draddy’s career spanned numerous achievements, including introducing synthetic materials into women’s dresses and pioneering the sportswear market. His visionary leadership turned David Crystal into a trailblazer in the industry.
Collaboration with Lacoste and Izod
In 1937, Draddy collaborated with British designer Jack Izod to create a women’s shirt line that became an instant hit. He later expanded into men’s and children’s apparel, as well as accessories.
Draddy’s most significant contribution was introducing Lacoste knit shirts to the American market. In 1950, his friend, tennis player Billy Talbert, showed him René Lacoste’s shirts featuring a crocodile emblem. Initially met with little interest, Draddy strategically distributed the shirts to prominent figures, including the Duke of Windsor, Sam Snead, Bing Crosby, and Ben Hogan, turning the crocodile-logo shirts into a status symbol.
By the mid-20th century, these polo shirts became the best-selling sportswear item in the U.S., priced at $10 each. Their success paved the way for a new era in casual and athletic fashion.
Later Years and Legacy
Draddy retired in 1974 after General Mills acquired David Crystal. He remained active in the NFF, serving for 33 years, including 19 years as chairman. His impact on sportswear continued to resonate long after his retirement.
In 1951, La Société Chemise Lacoste partnered with Izod to market their crocodile-branded polo shirts in the U.S., establishing a lasting legacy in sportswear. The shirts gained widespread popularity after being worn by figures like President Eisenhower, the Kennedy family, and Bing Crosby. By the early 1990s, Lacoste reclaimed exclusive rights to its brand in the U.S., shifting its focus to premium markets.
Personal Life
Draddy experienced personal tragedy with the loss of his first wife and son in a car accident. He later married Maria Gamio, with whom he had a daughter, Diane Holmes. His family included another son, Vincent, and three sisters, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Death and Commemoration
Vincent Draddy passed away on July 8, 1990, at United Hospital in Port Chester, New York, due to pulmonary fibrosis. He was 83 years old and split his time between homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and Rye, New York. His family commemorated his contributions to sports, business, and philanthropy in a special memorial publication.
Draddy’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the sportswear industry and his dedication to Manhattan College and the National Football Foundation. His innovative spirit and business acumen helped shape modern casual fashion and elevated sportswear to a new level of prestige.