Early Life and Education of Michael Vick: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Michael Vick, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Michael Vick is a former NFL quarterback and current college football coach. He played college football at Virginia Tech, winning the Archie Griffin Award, before being drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. During his six seasons with the Falcons, Vick earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to two playoff appearances, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance. He was known for his exceptional rushing ability and at the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 26, 1980: Michael Vick's Birth

On June 26, 1980, Michael Dwayne Vick was born. He is an American college football coach and former professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Herschel Walker's Heisman Nomination

In 1980, Herschel Walker set the highest Heisman Trophy nomination result for a freshman, which Michael Vick would match in 1999.

1986: Hokies Not Won Since

Before 2000, the last time the Hokies won against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome was in 1986.

1996: Move to Warwick High School

In 1996, Ferguson High School was closed, leading Michael Vick, as a sophomore, and coach Tommy Reamon to move to Warwick High School.

1998: College Football Scholarship

In 1998, Michael Vick left the Newport News public housing projects with a college football scholarship to Virginia Tech and was seen as a success story in the community.

April 9, 2001: Sports Kept Me Off the Streets

In an interview published on April 9, 2001 in Sporting News magazine, Michael Vick said that sports kept him off the streets and away from the bad stuff happening around him.

2001: Coping with Violence and Stress

In a 2001 interview with the Newport News Daily Press, Michael Vick recounted that when he was 10 or 11, he would go fishing to escape the violence and stress of daily life in the projects.

June 2006: The Vick Foundation Established

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. The announcement of the new organization came just before the start of the foundation's first fundraiser, the Michael Vick Golf Classic.

April 16, 2007: Vick Donates to Virginia Tech Massacre Victims

After the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007, Michael Vick and the United Way donated $10,000 to assist affected families. The Vick Foundation also collected donations from communities in Atlanta and Virginia to support funeral expenses, transportation for family members, and other support services.

2007: Dog Fighting Scandal and Prison Sentence

In 2007, Michael Vick's NFL career was halted after he pleaded guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring and subsequently spent 21 months in federal prison. This arrest and conviction garnered him notoriety with the general public.

2007: Neighborhood Condition

In 2007, a newspaper article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch noted that "not much [had] changed" in the neighborhood where Vick grew up nearly a decade after he left, citing drug dealing, drive-by shootings, and other killings.

April 2008: Vick meets Talbot

In April 2008, Michael Vick met Talbot, who claimed to be a financial management expert, through his brother Marcus. Vick agreed to pay Talbot $15,000 per month and gave him an $85,000 Mercedes-Benz.

November 12, 2008: Vick files bankruptcy reorganization plan

On November 12, 2008, Vick's attorneys filed a first plan of reorganization through bankruptcy. The plan involved selling three of Vick's six homes to cover expenses, including significant monthly support payments to his mother, fiancée, daughters, and former girlfriend.

April 2, 2009: Vick appears at bankruptcy hearing

On April 2, 2009, Michael Vick appeared in person before Judge Santoro at a hearing in Newport News. He testified about his remorse and intention to improve his life after prison. Judge Santoro rejected the initial bankruptcy reorganization plan due to its reliance on Vick's uncertain NFL return.

July 20, 2009: Vick Released from Federal Prison

Michael Vick, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) ID# 33765-183, was released from federal prison on July 20, 2009.

2010: Vick's payments in 2010

In 2010, Vick paid his agent Joel Segal $32,500 and paid bankruptcy lawyers $748,750.

2011: Vick's payments in 2011

In 2011, Vick paid his agent Joel Segal $104,000 and paid bankruptcy lawyers $1 million.

2012: Vick's agent payments begin to increase

Starting in 2012, Vick would pay his agent Joel Segal $160,000 each year.

2013: Colin Kaepernick breaks record

In 2013, Colin Kaepernick broke the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game, previously held by Michael Vick, with 181 yards.

2015: Vick's high agent payments end

2015 was the last year that Vick would pay his agent Joel Segal $160,000.

2017: Official Retirement

In 2017, after spending the 2016 season as a free agent, Michael Vick officially retired from professional football. After retiring as a player, Vick pursued a coaching career.