While he’s most remembered for the infamous incidents and controversy, Michael Vick was truly revolutionary at the quarterback position. While names like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson excel as dual-threat quarterbacks, it was Vick who started the trend in the NFL. Coming out of a rough neighborhood, Vick’s path to the NFL was one of grit and determination. Making it to the pros, he immediately became a headline act for the Atlanta Falcons selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, as he became the first African-American quarterback to be selected that high. However, from his second season onwards, Michael justified his positioning as he became a bonafide star. With 3 Pro Bowl selections and multiple playoff appearances, the future looked bright in Atlanta. In fact, Vick was the only other player to receive a first-place vote during Peyton Manning’s historic season, leading him to just miss out on unanimous MVP honors.
Michael was poised to break out as an even bigger star after compiling the first season in NFL history with 1,000+ rushing yards for a quarterback. Unfortunately, the demons from his past came back to haunt him. Born in a rough locality, sports had always been an escape for Vick. He once even claimed that he used to go fishing regardless of the availability of fish just to get away from the harshness of his reality.
But, those demons followed him back to the league. In 2007, after his involvement in a dog fighting ring, Vick was put into a federal prison and would spend 21 months inside. His career was all but over, the Falcons released him, and his image and fame took a sizeable dip.
However, the man had been through some tough times in his life already. He wasn’t about to quit so easily. He had one last hurrah in him.
Michael Vick's Height
Michael Vick stands at 6 feet or 1.83 meters tall. Despite being undersized for the quarterback position, his elite vision paired with his dynamic playstyle and rushing threat made Vick a cerebral competitor, and a true one-of-a-kind in his time. 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.
Even though his height gave him a disadvantage as a quarterback, he made a triumphant return with the Philadelphia Eagles. While a lot of controversy surrounded the 43-year-old, the team gave him a chance, albeit on a non-guaranteed contract. Even though he didn’t see play in his first year, Vick did not lose hope. In his second year back into the league, Michael put together his best statistical season, en route to another Pro Bowl selection while also being named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He would play three more seasons with the Eagles before enjoying stints with the New York Jets as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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. 1. Atlanta Falcons (2001-2008)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (2009-2013)
3. New York Jets (2014)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2015)
A. Following his conviction, 21 months were spent by Michael Vick in federal prison.
A. As of August 2023, Michael Vick is 43 years old.
A. Michael Vick stands at 6 feet.
