Michael Vick

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Vick's journey to Atlanta began after an electric college career at Virginia Tech, where he won the Archie Griffin Award and led the Hokies to a national title game appearance. At his NFL Pro Day workout, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds, with times clocked as low as 4.25—the fastest ever recorded for an NFL quarterback. The San Diego Chargers originally held the number-one selection but traded it to the Falcons for their first- and third-round picks in 2001. Signed to a six-year $62 million contract, Vick made his debut on September 9, 2001, against the San Francisco 49ers. His first NFL touchdown came on a two-yard rush against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, and he secured his first start on November 11 against the Dallas Cowboys.

In Their Own Story

The 2002 season showcased Vick's burgeoning dominance; he started 15 games, completing 231 of 421 passes for 2,936 yards and 16 touchdowns. His legs were just as dangerous, tallying 1,13 carries for 777 yards and eight rushing scores. During this campaign, Vick set numerous single-game career highs in completions, attempts, and passing yards. In the season finale against the St. Louis Rams on January 6, 2002, he accounted for 234 of Atlanta's 255 total yards. His rushing ability became a defining trait, eventually leading him to lead the NFL in quarterback rushing yards at the time of his retirement and rank second all-time in that category. Despite missing one game against the New York Giants on October 13 due to a sprained shoulder, Vick delivered performances that set then-NFL records for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season.

Reader's Guide

Fans following Vick's Falcons tenure witnessed a shift in offensive philosophy centered on his mobility. He played as a dual-threat quarterback who could dismantle defenses with both his arm and his legs. Vick's leadership guided Atlanta to their first division title since 1998 and a berth in the NFC Championship Game. However, his time with the franchise ended abruptly when he pleaded guilty in 2007 regarding his involvement in a dog fighting ring. He spent 21 months in federal prison and was released by the Falcons shortly before leaving custody, marking the end of his initial six-year stint with the team.

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.
• He ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, with times as low as 4.25 recorded, the fastest ever for an NFL quarterback.
• Vick was released by the Falcons shortly before leaving federal prison in 2007 after serving 21 months for his involvement in a dog fighting ring.
• In 2002, Vick set a then-NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season.