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, notable for his exceptional rushing ability. He played college football at Virginia Tech, where he won the Archie Griffin Award. Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including an NFC Championship Game. He was the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards upon retirement. He currently serves as the head football coach for the Norfolk State Spartans.

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 later became a professional football player and coach.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Moved to Warwick High School

In 1996, Ferguson High School closed, and Michael Vick moved to Warwick High School as a sophomore with coach Tommy Reamon.

1998: College Football Scholarship

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

April 9, 2001: Sporting News Interview

In an interview published April 9, 2001, Michael Vick told Sporting News magazine, "Sports kept me off the streets. It kept me from getting into what was going on, the bad stuff. Lots of guys I knew have had bad problems."

2001: Newport News Daily Press Interview

In a 2001 interview, Michael Vick told the Newport News Daily Press that when he was 10 or 11, "I would go fishing even if the fish weren't biting, just to get away from the violence and stress of daily life in the projects."

May 2006: Loan of $1.3 million secured to set up wine shop and restaurant

In May 2006, Michael Vick and Gerald Frank Jenkins secured a loan of $1.3 million to set up a wine shop and restaurant.

June 2006: Establishment of The Vick Foundation

In June 2006, Michael Vick, along with his brother Marcus and mother Brenda, established The Vick Foundation to support at-risk youth with after-school programs in the Metro Atlanta and Hampton Roads areas. The announcement preceded the Michael Vick Golf Classic fundraiser.

April 16, 2007: Donation after Virginia Tech massacre

On April 16, 2007, after the Virginia Tech massacre, Michael Vick and the United Way donated $10,000 to assist affected families. The Vick Foundation also collected donations to support funeral expenses and family transportation.

2007: Richmond Times-Dispatch Article

In 2007, a newspaper article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch noted that "not much [had] changed" nearly a decade after Vick left the Ridley Circle Homes. The article highlighted ongoing issues like drug dealing and violence in the neighborhood.

April 2008: Vick meets Talbot

In April 2008, Michael Vick met Talbot through his brother, Marcus. Talbot, who claimed expertise in financial management, was hired at $15,000 per month and received an $85,000 Mercedes-Benz from Vick.

June 2008: Marcus Vick lists residence as Vick's home after arrest

In June 2008, Michael Vick's brother, Marcus, listed his residence as a $1.39 million home owned by Vick in Suffolk, Virginia, after being arrested and jailed in Norfolk.

November 12, 2008: Vick's attorneys file first bankruptcy reorganization plan

On November 12, 2008, Vick's attorneys filed the initial bankruptcy reorganization plan, which included selling three of Vick's six homes. Vick's expenses included significant monthly support payments to his mother, fiancée, daughters, and former girlfriend.

April 2, 2009: Vick appears at hearing, reorganization plan rejected

On April 2, 2009, Michael Vick appeared in person before Judge Santoro. Vick testified about intending to live a better life and expressed remorse for his crime. Santoro rejected the reorganization plan, deeming it unsound due to its reliance on Vick's uncertain return to the NFL.