Michael Vick

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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 air at Raymond James Stadium was thick with humidity and tension on that crisp October evening. Michael Vick took the snap, eyes scanning a defense that seemed to move as one organism. He stepped up in the pocket, feeling the pressure close in like a vice. Before he could launch a deep pass or bolt for the open field, a blur of red and pewter crashed into him. The impact was deafening, echoing off the stadium walls. Vick went down hard, the crowd roaring as the Bucs' defense stood tall, having successfully grounded the lightning.

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 attended Homer L. Ferguson High School and later Warwick High School, where he was a three-year starter for the Warwick Raiders. He passed for 4,846 yards with 43 touchdowns and added 1,048 yards and 18 scores on the ground. He chose Virginia Tech over Syracuse University. At Virginia Tech, as a redshirt freshman in 1999, he led the Hokies to an 11–0 undefeated season and a national title game appearance. He led the NCAA in passing efficiency in 1999 (180.4). He finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1999 and sixth in 2000. He left Virginia Tech after his redshirt sophomore season. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025.

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.
• At his Pro Day workout, Vick ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds, the fastest-ever for an NFL quarterback.
• Vick was the first African-American quarterback to be taken with the top pick in the NFL draft.
• Vick's younger brother, Marcus Vick, also played football and learned the game from Michael.