Ten Conference championships, compiled a 36-11-1 record, and finished ranked in the top ten each year (#4 in 1988, #7 in 1989, and #7 in 1990). In 1990, Lloyd Carr, then Michigan's defensive coordinator, said of Welborne: "Tripp does more than any player we've ever had. He is an outstanding blitzer and ball-reactor, very intelligent." Professional football Welborne was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round (180th pick) of the 1991 NFL Draft. He was projected to be drafted as a top 5 pick in the first round, but fell in the draft after injuring his knee and undergoing reconstructive surgery. He missed the 1991 NFL season while rehabilitating his knee, but signed a contract with the Vikings in April 1992 that was contingent on Welborne passing a physical examination on his knee. Welborne appeared in two games for the Vikings during the 1992 season. He tore the ACL in his left knee during a game against the Detroit Lions, ending his 1992 season. He attempted a comeback in 1993, but injured his knee again, and his playing career was over. Later years After retiring from his playing career, Welborne formed a company to provide scholarships and seminars to young people. He then moved into the financial service field, working for Wachovia Securities, as a risk manager at Bank of America, and then with Target Financial Services. From at least 2008 to 2015, Welborne was employed as the athletic director at Shorecrest Preparatory School, a private school in St. Petersburg, Florida. In January 2012, he oversaw the opening of the school's new $7 million, 34,000 square foot athletic facility. In March 2015, he was hired to serve as the athletic director at the Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, starting in July 2015. References 1968 births Living people All-American college football players American football safeties Michigan Wolverines football players Minnesota Vikings players Players of American football from North Carolina