Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick reshaped the future of the position and served as an on-field example for the likes of Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields to follow in his footsteps. However, he’s also infamous for what nearly ended his NFL career.
After earning three-Pro Bowl selections from 2002-’05, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft found himself in prison and out of pro football. He pled guilty to federal charges in August 2007 for dogfighting, resulting in an indefinite suspension by the NFL and he was sentenced to 23 months in prison after agreeing to a plea bargain then ultimately served 18 months in federal prison.
- Michael Vick career stats: 22,464 pass yards, 133 passing touchdowns, 61-51-1 record, 80.4 quarterback rating, 6,109 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns
Vick wouldn’t return to the NFL until his age-29 season in 2009, wiping out three years of his prime. He only attempted 13 passes in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, before experiencing a late-career resurgence in his 30s.
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During an appearance on Tyreek Hill’s podcast, It Needed to be Said, Vick reflected on his time being incarcerated and shared insight of how only a single person cautioned him against dogfighting.
“I wish I had a father figure or somebody in my life — and I did, too, for the most part — but not to the point where somebody was like, ‘Yo, man, you can really screw all this up,’ Ain’t nobody came and said, ‘Bro, you can screw all this up.’ One person [did], I won’t say his name.”
Michael Vick on the lack of role models early in his NFL career
Context is important to consider when reflecting on the one person who advised Vick against dog fighting. He previously told students at Liberty that he was introduced to dogfights at 9 years old and the operations behind it became apparent to him as a teenager. Growing up, few around him seemed to indicate there was any issue with it.
- Michael Vick career earnings: $115.9 million
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Once Vick became financially involved in it during his NFL career, he was accustomed to it and his other off-field actions serve as proof that he wasn’t making the best decisions. So, while one person tried to warn him about how it could jeopardize Vick’s NFL career, it was apparent that was advice he wouldn’t take in and make changes because of no matter who said it.
Vick is now an advocate for better treatment of animals ane ending dog fighting, participating with organizations and donating both his time and money to the cause. However, his actions early in his NFL career will always be a part of his legacy for many fans.