Career Timeline of Michael Vick: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Michael Vick, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Michael Vick is a former NFL quarterback and current college football coach at Norfolk State University. Known for his exceptional rushing ability, Vick was the first NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and held the record for all-time quarterback rushing yards upon retirement. He played college football at Virginia Tech, winning the Archie Griffin Award. Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to two playoff runs, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance during his six seasons with the Falcons.
1999: First Collegiate Game
In 1999, Michael Vick played his first collegiate game for Virginia Tech, scoring three touchdowns.
2000: Career High Rushing Total
In 2000, Michael Vick had a career high rushing total of 210 yards against Boston College.
September 9, 2001: NFL Debut
On September 9, 2001, Michael Vick made his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers.
2001: Vick Signs Marketing Agreement with Joel Enterprises
In 2001, Michael Vick signed a marketing agreement with Joel Enterprises nine days before declaring himself eligible for the NFL Draft. This agreement later led to a legal dispute.
2002: Sets NFL Rushing Record
In 2002, Michael Vick set a then-NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 173.
January 4, 2003: Upset Victory over Green Bay Packers
On January 4, 2003, Michael Vick led the Falcons to an upset victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round.
October 31, 2004: 250 Passing Yards and 100 Rushing Yards in Same Game
On October 31, 2004, Michael Vick became the first quarterback to throw for more than 250 yards and rush for over 100 yards in the same game against the Denver Broncos.
2004: Signing Bonus Controversy
In 2004, Michael Vick signed a new contract with the Atlanta Falcons, receiving a $37 million signing bonus. An arbitrator later ruled that Vick had to reimburse the Falcons $19.97 million because he used the bonus money for illegal activities related to his dog fighting operation.
2004: Vick Gets Signing Bonus
In 2004, Vick got a 37 million signing bonus with the Atlanta Falcons
May 2006: Wachovia Issues Loan
In May 2006, Wachovia Bank issued a $1.3 million to Michael Vick and Gerald Frank Jenkins to set up a wine shop and restaurant.
June 2006: Vick establishes The Vick Foundation
In June 2006, Michael Vick, along with his brother Marcus and mother Brenda, established The Vick Foundation, a nonprofit organization to support at-risk youth with after-school programs in the Metro Atlanta and Hampton Roads areas.
2006: Vick's Estimated Annual Income
At the end of 2006, Sports Illustrated estimated Michael Vick's annual income from his NFL salary and endorsements at $25.4 million, ranking him among the highest-earning athletes.
2006: First QB with 1,000 Rushing Yards
In 2006, Michael Vick became the first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
2007: Career Uncertainty
In 2007, John Clayton of ESPN speculated on Michael Vick's future, suggesting few NFL general managers would risk signing him due to potential backlash and that he was banned from the CFL. However, Clayton believed Vick could excel in the Arena Football League.
October 2009: Nike provides Vick complimentary gear.
In October 2009, Nike started providing Michael Vick with complimentary gear after he was released from prison.
2009: Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
In 2009, after serving his prison sentence, Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking his return to the NFL.
2010: Comeback Player of the Year
In 2010, Michael Vick led the Eagles to a division title, earning him Comeback Player of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection.
2010: Vick pays his agent and bankruptcy lawyers.
In 2010, Vick paid his agent, Joel Segal, $32,500 and paid bankruptcy lawyers $748,750.
January 27, 2011: Vick signs endorsement deal with Unequal Technologies
On January 27, 2011, Michael Vick signed a two-year endorsement deal with Unequal Technologies, a company that produces football pads.
July 1, 2011: Nike re-signs Vick as an athlete
On July 1, 2011, Nike officially signed Michael Vick again as an athlete. They had been providing him with complimentary gear since October 2009. This re-signing marked the first time Nike brought back an athlete after dropping him.
2011: Vick Lobbies for Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act
In 2011, Michael Vick lobbied for H.R. 2492, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which aimed to establish federal penalties for spectators of illegal animal fighting and increase penalties for adults bringing children to fights.
2011: Vick pays his agent and bankruptcy lawyers.
In 2011, Vick paid his agent, Joel Segal, $104,000 and paid bankruptcy lawyers $1 million.
2012: Vick launches sports clothing line
In 2012, Michael Vick launched a sports clothing line called V7 to be sold exclusively at Modell's, with part of the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia.
2012: Vick pays his agent.
In 2012, Vick paid his agent, Joel Segal, $160,000.
2015: Vick pays his agent.
In 2015, Vick paid his agent, Joel Segal, $160,000.
2019: Offensive Coordinator of Atlanta Legends
In 2019, Michael Vick served as the offensive coordinator and advisor for the Atlanta Legends of the AAF.
December 20, 2024: Named Head Coach at Norfolk State University
On December 20, 2024, Michael Vick was named the 19th head football coach at Norfolk State University, marking a significant step in his post-playing career.
2024: Named Head Coach at Norfolk State
Near the end of the 2024 season, Michael Vick was named the head football coach at Norfolk State University.
