Veingrad was born in Brooklyn, New York, lived in Englishtown, New Jersey, from ages three to nine, before moving to Miami, Florida, in 1972.

There, he competed in football and was captain of his high school team as well as All-Conference and All-American, and in track and field in discus and shot put.

[1][2][5][9] He was converted to an offensive lineman in football, and in 1984 he was named Lone Star All-Conference, Lone Star Offensive Lineman of the Year and received Division II and National Strength & Conditioning All-American honors.

[8] Although he was selected by the San Antonio Gunslingers in the eleventh round (163rd overall) of the 1985 USFL Draft, he opted to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[12][8] In 1986 he signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent, and became the opening day starter at right offensive tackle.

[14] In 1991, after four seasons as a starter for the Packers, he signed in Plan B free agency with the Dallas Cowboys, where as a backup at tackle and guard, he helped Emmitt Smith win the NFL rushing title in 1991 and 1992.