Michael Vick was born on June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia. During his high school career, Vick threw for 4,846 yards and 43 touchdowns, and he ran for 1,048 yards and 18 touchdowns. One of the most heavily recruited college football prospects in the country, Vick chose Virginia Tech, yielding to his high school coach’s advice and his own desire to remain close to home.
Physically, Vick was unmatched by anyone on the Virginia Tech team, and he easily won the starting quarterback job. He ran a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash and recorded a vertical leap of 40.5 inches. Vick’s renown grew as the Hokies racked up victory after victory. The team went undefeated during the regular season and played Florida State for the national championship in the Sugar Bowl.
Vick left after his sophomore year to enter the NFL and was drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, the first African-American quarterback ever taken in that position.
In six seasons with the Falcons, Vick gained wide popularity for his performance on the field, and led the Falcons to the playoffs twice. During his tenure with Atlanta, Vick was selected to three Pro Bowls.
In April 2007, Vick’s name surfaced during a spring dog-fighting probe, and as the facts unfolded, it appeared that he was deeply involved, along with friends and family members. The fallout was swift and unforgiving. The NFL responded by suspending him indefinitely.
Michael issued a public apology and took full responsibility for his actions. His conciliatory actions earned him sympathy from some fans, but many still demonized him as an example of today’s spoiled, ungrateful professional athletes.
After his release from prison, Michael was mentored by former Colts Coach Tony Dungy. In 2010, Vick became the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback and led them to the 2011 NFL Playoffs as NFC East Champions.. He was named the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl. Vick ranks first among quarterbacks in career rushing yards.
Michael Vick’s charitable foundation, Team Vick Foundation, formally launched on September 18, 2012. Michael and Team Vick Foundation have been able to tackle projects including participation in Toys for Tots programs in Philadelphia; creating two college scholarships at an alternative high school in Philadelphia so children can pursue their dreams of college; working with hundreds of young people and adults through a preventive, intervention and emergency-service program; establishing programs such as our Great Backpacks initiative to advance young people’s academic development; offering sports programs that are strategically designed to challenge young people while also providing them with fundamental team and character building skills; and many more efforts.
Ultimately, their aim is to bridge the gaps between donors and communities to promote hope and enhance the quality of life for those that reside in socially and economically under-represented neighborhoods