Perhaps no player has boasted a comeback quite like Michael Vick. Despite controversies and a two-year suspension, Vick returned just as good of a player as he was when he left the NFL. Born in a rough neighborhood in Virginia, Vick tried his best to escape the harshness, even once claiming to go fishing despite no fish biting. For the young Michael, Sports became a medium. According to him, “Sports kept me off the streets.” He truly came into his own after a shift to Warwick High School from Homer L. Ferguson. From those early days, Vick showcased his tremendous dual-threat ability, compiling a game of 9 total touchdowns, rushing and passing combined. Eventually, he chose to go to Virginia Tech.
In his redshirt freshman campaign, Vick put in a stellar season, leading the team to an 11-0 record and the Bowl Championship Series national title game thanks to spectacular plays, like the iconic flip into a touchdown and game-winning drive in the Black Diamond Trophy Game. The NCAA leader in passing efficiency, with record-setting numbers as a freshman, Michael won the Archie Griffin Award, Big East Offensive Player of the Year award, and finished third in Heisman voting. Missing some time due to injuries, Michael still put together a strong sophomore campaign, including a Toyota Gator Bowl MVP.
After setting the record for a 40-yard dash, Vick went first in the 2001 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first African-American quarterback to achieve the mark. He took over starting duties in his second season, compiling just over 3,700 total yards, while setting the then-NFL record for rushing yards in a game by a quarterback. He led the team to the playoffs, en route to a Pro Bowl selection after completing 177 straight passes without an interception. After missing a majority of the 2003 campaign due to injury, Vick was back to his Pro Bowl ways in 2004, even finishing second in the MVP race. He also totalled the third-highest mark for rushing yards in league history. He earned another Pro Bowl the following year, before becoming the first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards.
Unfortunately, that’s when tragedy struck.
Michael Vick's Age
As of August 2023, Michael Vick is 33 years old. Michael Dwayne Vick was born on June 26th, 1980 in Newport News, Virginia. After spending his childhood in the rough neighborhood, a change of fortunes thanks to football took Michael to Virginia Tech before ultimately being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. However, his opportunity with the Falcons was unfortunately squandered. But, he returned with just as strong an impact.
Michael spent 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to involvement in a dog fighting ring. The incident naturally gave Vic notoriety in the public that lasted throughout the rest of his career. Shortly before he left prison, the Atlanta Falcons chose to release him. After much conjecture and speculation, Vick made his way over to the Philadelphia Eagles on a non-guaranteed contract. While he got limited playing time in his first year, the second year became his greatest statistical season, as he earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection, along with the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. From there on, his production continued to decline. After spending a year each as a backup in New York and Pittsburgh, Vick eventually retired from the NFL.
Despite his tainted stint, Vick was the first person to truly transform the quarterback position and still holds the record for quarterback rushing yards.
FAQs
A. After a 7-year run with the Atlanta Falcons ended in controversy, Michael Vick made his way over to the Philadelphia Eagles for 4 years before enjoying one-year stretches with the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A. Due to his involvement in a dog fighting ring, Michael Vick spent 21 months in federal prison.
A. As of August 2023, Michael Vick is 43 years old.
A. Despite being a tad short, Michael Vick was stellar at the quarterback position with his 6-foot frame.
