Michael Vick's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Michael Vick.

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

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.

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.

1999: Awards and Heisman Trophy Nomination

In 1999, Michael Vick led the NCAA in passing efficiency, won an ESPY Award and the Archie Griffin Award, and was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year. He also finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

2000: Heisman Trophy Voting

In the 2000 season, Michael Vick finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.

2001: NFL Draft Selection by Atlanta Falcons

In 2001, Michael Vick was selected first in the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first African-American quarterback to be taken with the top pick.

January 4, 2003: Upset Victory Over Green Bay Packers

On January 4, 2003, Michael Vick led the Atlanta Falcons to an upset victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round.

2005: Third Pro Bowl Selection

Michael Vick made his third Pro Bowl after the 2005 season, during which he passed for 2,412 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 597 rushing yards and six touchdowns. However, the Falcons finished with an 8–8 record and missed the playoffs.

2010: Comeback Player of the Year

In 2010, as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Vick had his greatest statistical season, leading the team to a division title and earning him Comeback Player of the Year and a fourth Pro Bowl selection.

2010: Vick's performance against Redskins

In 2010, during a Week 10 Monday Night Football game against the Washington Redskins on November 14, Michael Vick passed for 333 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Later in the season against the New York Giants, Vick led a fourth-quarter comeback to erase a 21-point deficit. Philadelphia finished with a 10–6 record in 2010 and made the playoffs.

January 27, 2011: Vick signs with Unequal Technologies

On January 27, 2011, Michael Vick signed a two-year endorsement deal with Unequal Technologies, a company that produces football pads, marking his first endorsement after being released from prison.

March 4, 2011: Vick wins Bert Bell Award

On March 4, 2011, Michael Vick won the Bert Bell Award after making his fourth Pro Bowl, Vick finished second in the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP.

July 1, 2011: Nike re-signs Vick as an athlete

On July 1, 2011, Nike officially re-signed Michael Vick as an athlete. They had been providing him with complimentary gear since October 2009, and this re-signing marked the first time a sponsor had brought back an athlete after dropping him.