COACH MICHAEL VICK
MICHAEL VICK'S BIO
Michael Vick is a former NFL quarterback known for his electrifying playing style, significant impact on the game, and a controversial career that included a prison sentence for dogfighting.
Early Life:
Michael Dwayne Vick was born on June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia. He grew up in a challenging environment, living in a public housing project. Despite these difficulties, Vick showed immense athletic talent from a young age, influenced by his father's love for football. He attended Warwick High School, where he became one of the nation's top high school quarterbacks under the mentorship of coach Tommy Reamon.
College Career:
Vick played college football at Virginia Tech, where he made a significant impact as a freshman. He led the Hokies to an undefeated regular season and a spot in the BCS national championship game against Florida State. His performance earned him first-team All-American honors and set the stage for his professional career.
NFL Career:
In the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons. He quickly became a franchise player, known for his unique blend of speed, agility, and passing ability. Vick was named to the Pro Bowl three times (2002, 2004, 2005) and became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season in 2006. He signed a record-breaking $130 million contract with the Falcons in 2004.
However, Vick's career took a dramatic turn in 2007 when he was implicated in a dogfighting scandal. He pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to 23 months in prison, leading to an indefinite suspension from the NFL. During his imprisonment, he lost all endorsement deals and filed for bankruptcy.
Comeback and Later Career:
After serving his sentence, Vick made a remarkable comeback in 2009 when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2010 and continued to play for the Eagles, as well as the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, before retiring in 2017. By the end of his career, he had amassed over 22,000 passing yards and 6,100 rushing yards, making him the all-time leader in rushing yards for a quarterback.
His Personal Life:
Vick has been married to Kijafa Vick since 2011, and they have four children together. He has since transitioned into a career as a sports analyst, working for Fox Sports and contributing to NFL coverage.
Michael Vick's journey through triumph and adversity has made him a compelling figure in sports history, illustrating the complexities of fame, fortune, and redemption.