History of Michael Vick in Timeline
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.
June 26, 1980: Michael Vick's Birth
On June 26, 1980, Michael Dwayne Vick was born. He would later become a successful football player and coach.
1980: Herschel Walker's Heisman Finish
In 1980, Herschel Walker had the highest Heisman finish for a freshman, a record matched by Vick in 1999.
1986: First Win Since 1986
In 2000, Michael Vick led the Hokies to a victory against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, where the Hokies had not won since 1986.
1996: Moved to Warwick High School
In 1996, Michael Vick moved to Warwick High School after Ferguson High School closed.
1998: College Football Scholarship
In 1998, Michael Vick left the Newport News public housing projects with a college football scholarship in hand.
1999: First Collegiate Game
In 1999, Michael Vick played his first collegiate game for Virginia Tech, scoring three touchdowns.
1999: Awards and Recognition
In 1999, Michael Vick won an ESPY Award, the Archie Griffin Award, and was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year. He also finished third in Heisman Trophy voting.
2000: Sixth in Heisman Trophy Voting
In 2000, Michael Vick finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.
2000: Career High Rushing Total
In 2000, Michael Vick had a career high rushing total of 210 yards against Boston College.
2000: Drafted by Colorado Rockies
In 2000, Michael Vick was selected in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies, despite not playing baseball since the eighth grade.
April 9, 2001: Interview on Sports Importance
In an interview published on April 9, 2001, Michael Vick told Sporting News magazine that sports kept him off the streets during his childhood.
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.
2001: Interview about childhood
In a 2001 interview, Vick spoke about escaping the violence of his childhood through fishing.
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.
2003: Michael Smith Advised Vick on finances
In 2003, Certified Financial Planner Michael Smith began advising Vick on his finances, but resigned in 2005.
2003: Fractured Fibula
In 2003, Michael Vick suffered a fractured right fibula during a preseason game.
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
2005: Michael Smith Ends Financial Advisement
In 2005, Certified Financial Planner Michael Smith ended advising Vick on his finances, due to bad investments.
2005: Joel Enterprises Sues Vick
In 2005, Joel Enterprises sued Michael Vick in Richmond Circuit Court for $45 million for breach of contract related to their marketing agreement.
2005: Third Pro Bowl Selection
In 2005, Michael Vick made his third Pro Bowl after passing for 2,412 yards and 16 touchdowns.
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.
December 2006: Trial Can Proceed
In December 2006, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the civil trial for a lawsuit by Joel Enterprises can proceed, after denying a Vick motion.
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.
2006: $45 Million Lawsuit and Endorsement Deals Soured
In 2006, Michael Vick faced a $45 million lawsuit with his original sports agents, and several lucrative endorsement deals soured, impacting his financial situation.
2006: Middle finger gesture to fans
In 2006, Michael Vick made a middle finger gesture to Atlanta football fans, which negatively impacted his corporate status.
April 25, 2007: Search Warrant Leads to Dog Fighting Evidence
On April 25, 2007, a search warrant executed on a property owned by Michael Vick in Surry County as part of a drug investigation of Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, uncovered evidence of unlawful dog fighting activities, including extensive facilities. This led to state and federal investigations.
July 2007: Vick Indicted on Federal Dog Fighting Charges
In July 2007, Michael Vick and three others were indicted on federal felony charges for operating an unlawful interstate dog fighting venture known as "Bad Newz Kennels." Vick was accused of financing, participating in dog fights and executions, and handling gambling activities.
July 2007: Financial Claims Escalate After Dog Fighting Indictments
In July 2007, following the dog fighting indictments, financial claims against Michael Vick escalated, straining his finances and leading to lawsuits from banks and creditors for defaulting on loans.
September 13, 2007: Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana
On September 13, 2007, Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test while free on bail awaiting sentencing, violating the conditions of his release. As a result, he was confined to his home with electronic monitoring.
September 25, 2007: Vick Faces Separate Virginia Charges
On September 25, 2007, following indictments by the Surry County grand jury, Michael Vick faced separate Virginia state charges related to the dog-fighting case. The principal evidence was sworn statements of the defendants during their plea agreement process before the federal court.
September 26, 2007: 1st Source Bank Sues Vick Over Vehicle Financing
On September 26, 2007, 1st Source Bank filed a federal lawsuit claiming at least $2 million in damages from Michael Vick and Divine Seven LLC for failing to pay for 130 vehicles acquired for use as rental cars.
October 2007: Wachovia Bank Files Suit Against Vick
In October 2007, Wachovia Bank filed a federal suit seeking about $940,000 from Michael Vick and Gerald Frank Jenkins for defaulting on a loan to set up a wine shop and restaurant.
November 2007: Vick Attempts to Sell Home
In November 2007, Michael Vick attempted to sell one of his homes as his financial affairs worsened following the dog fighting indictments.
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.
2007: Dog Fighting Conviction
In 2007, Michael Vick's NFL career was halted after pleading guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring, leading to a prison sentence and public notoriety.
2007: Neighborhood conditions reported
In 2007, a newspaper article described the continued struggles of Vick's childhood neighborhood.
2007: Vick Hires Business Manager Wong
In the fall of 2007, Michael Vick hired Mary Wong, a business manager, on the recommendation of a teammate. She later misappropriated funds from his accounts.
April 2008: Vick Meets Talbot Through Brother
In April 2008, Michael Vick met David Talbot, who claimed expertise in financial management, through his brother Marcus. Vick later discovered Talbot's resume was false.
May 2008: Court Grants Summary Judgment to Wachovia
In May 2008, the U.S. District Court granted a summary judgment in favor of Wachovia Bank, ordering Michael Vick to pay $1.11 million, including the loan balance, interest, fees, and legal costs.
June 2008: Marcus Vick Arrested and Lists Vick's Home as Residence
In June 2008, Michael Vick's brother, Marcus, was arrested and listed his residence as a $1.39 million home owned by Vick. It was also noted that Vick was spending $30,000 a month to support relatives.
July 7, 2008: Vick Seeks Bankruptcy Protection
On July 7, 2008, Michael Vick sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after failing to resolve debts with creditors, listing assets of less than $50 million and debts between $10 million and $50 million.
August 2008: Trustee Appointed to Manage Vick's Bankruptcy
In August 2008, W. Clarkson McDow Jr. was appointed as trustee to manage Michael Vick's bankruptcy, noting Vick's limited ability to manage his finances and participate in the bankruptcy case.
October 14, 2008: Motion Filed for Vick to Plead via Video
On October 14, 2008, Michael Vick's attorney filed a motion to allow Vick to enter a plea via two-way electronic video in Surry County Courts, in an effort to get an early release from federal prison. The request for a trial without Vick physically present was ultimately denied.
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 his six homes and outlined his monthly support payments.
November 2008: Vick Pleads Guilty to State Charge
In November 2008, Michael Vick was transported to Virginia and appeared before the Surry County Circuit Court. On November 25, he submitted a guilty plea to a single Virginia felony charge for dog fighting, receiving a suspended 3-year prison sentence and a fine.
March 25, 2009: Labor Department Sues Vick Over Retirement Funds
On March 25, 2009, the United States Department of Labor filed a lawsuit alleging that Michael Vick and others illegally withdrew $1.35 million from a retirement plan sponsored by MV7, one of Vick's companies.
April 2, 2009: Vick appears at bankruptcy hearing
On April 2, 2009, Vick appeared in person at a hearing in Newport News regarding his bankruptcy reorganization plan. He testified about intending to live a better life after prison, expressing remorse for his actions. The judge rejected his plan as unsound.
April 3, 2009: Vick-Falcons Settlement Agreement
On April 3, 2009, the bankruptcy court was advised of the settlement agreement between Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons, regarding the repayment of a portion of his signing bonus. They reduced the amount to between $6.5 and $7.5 million.
July 20, 2009: Vick Released from Federal Prison
On July 20, 2009, Michael Vick, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) ID# 33765-183, was released from federal prison.
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: Vick's Net Worth
By 2010, Michael Vick was estimated to be $18.97 million in debt, despite a financial plan in 2003 to have a net worth of $100 million by 2010.
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.
March 4, 2011: Bert Bell Award
On March 4, 2011, Michael Vick won the Bert Bell Award. This award is given annually to an NFL player voted by his peers as the most outstanding.
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.
2013: Rushing Record Broken
In 2013, Colin Kaepernick broke Michael Vick's single-game rushing record for a quarterback.
2015: Vick pays his agent.
In 2015, Vick paid his agent, Joel Segal, $160,000.
2017: Official Retirement
In 2017, Michael Vick officially retired from the NFL after being a free agent in 2016.
2017: Inducted into Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame
In 2017, Michael Vick was inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame due to his football accomplishments.
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.
2025: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Michael Vick was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025, solidifying his legacy in college football.
