Michael Vick
Former Falcons quarterback and NFL rushing leader, now head coach at Norfolk State.
Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980) is an American football coach and former professional quarterback who is the head coach for the Norfolk State Spartans. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons and ranks second in quarterback rushing yards, which he led at the time of his retirement. Vick played college football at Virginia Tech, winning the Archie Griffin Award and Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 1999. He was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL draft. During his six years with the Falcons, he was named to three Pro Bowls and led the team to two playoff runs, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
- Draft Year
- 2001
- Pick Number
- 1st Overall
- Position
- Quarterback
- Franchise Tenure
- 2001–2006 (Initial)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Vick's NFL career came to a halt in 2007 after he pleaded guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring and spent 21 months in federal prison. He was released by the Falcons shortly before leaving prison. After serving his sentence, Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2009 season. As a member of the Eagles for five years, he had his greatest statistical season and led the team to a division title in 2010, earning him Comeback Player of the Year and a fourth Pro Bowl selection. In his final two seasons, Vick played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, primarily as a backup. He officially retired in 2017 after spending the 2016 season as a free agent. After retiring as a player, Vick pursued a coaching career and was named the head football coach at Norfolk State in 2024.
In Their Own Story
The 2002 season showcased Vick's burgeoning dominance; he started 15 games, completing 231 of 421 passes for 2,936 yards and 16 touchdowns. His legs were just as dangerous, tallying 1,13 carries for 777 yards and eight rushing scores. During this campaign, Vick set numerous single-game career highs in completions, attempts, and passing yards. In the season finale against the St. Louis Rams on January 6, 2002, he accounted for 234 of Atlanta's 255 total yards. His rushing ability became a defining trait, eventually leading him to lead the NFL in quarterback rushing yards at the time of his retirement and rank second all-time in that category. Despite missing one game against the New York Giants on October 13 due to a sprained shoulder, Vick delivered performances that set then-NFL records for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season.
Reader's Guide
At his Pro Day workout, Vick ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds; his time has been clocked as low as 4.25, the fastest-ever for an NFL quarterback. Vick was selected first in the 2001 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first African-American quarterback to be taken with the top pick. The San Diego Chargers had the number-one selection, but traded it to the Atlanta Falcons the day before the draft for the Falcons' first- and third-round picks in 2001.
Did You Know?
- Vick was selected in the 30th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft by the Colorado Rockies, despite not playing baseball since the eighth grade.
- He signed a six-year $62 million contract with the Falcons.
- Vick was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Vick?
Selected as the number one pick in 2001, he played quarterback for Atlanta until 2006 wearing jersey number seven. His presence brought a new era of excitement to the franchise during his initial stint with the team.
What made Michael Vick special on the field?
He possessed rare velocity and agility that allowed him to redefine the quarterback role through his rushing ability. During his time in Atlanta, he set a single-season record by gaining 1,039 yards on the ground.
When did Michael Vick play for Atlanta?
His first period with the franchise began immediately after being drafted in 2001 and concluded following the 2006 season. This window represents his primary tenure before he eventually returned to the team years later.
What is Michael Vick's legacy with the Falcons?
He remains a legendary figure known for bringing unique flair and speed that fans still remember today. His impact established a high-energy standard for future quarterbacks wearing the black and red uniforms.
Did Michael Vick hold any specific records with Atlanta?
Yes, he is credited with holding the key record for single-season quarterback rushing yards during his career there. This statistic highlights his dual-threat capability that was uncommon among NFL signal-callers at that time.
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