Michael Vick

From first overall pick to head coach: Michael Vick's journey through football.

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.

Quick Facts

Current team: Norfolk State Spartans
Career position: Quarterback
Career number: 7, 1, 2
Born: 26 June 1980
Birthplace: Newport News, Virginia, U.S.
High school: Warwick (Newport News)
College: Virginia Tech (1998–2000)
Draft year: 2001

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. His arrest and subsequent conviction garnered Vick notoriety with the general public, which lasted throughout the rest of his career. 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.

Reader's Guide

Vick was born in Newport News, Virginia, as the third of four children to Brenda Vick and Michael Boddie. He grew up in the Ridley Circle Homes public housing project. He first came to prominence at Homer L. Ferguson High School, then moved to Warwick High School. He played college football at Virginia Tech as a redshirt freshman in 1999, leading the Hokies to an undefeated season and the BCS national title game. He left after his redshirt sophomore season and was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL draft. He played six years for the Falcons, then after his prison sentence played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He retired in 2017 and became head coach at Norfolk State in 2024.

Did You Know?

He was the first African-American quarterback taken with the first overall pick in the NFL draft.
Vick ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds at his Pro Day, the fastest ever for an NFL quarterback.
He 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.

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.