Rise Fall and Redemption of Michael Vick

Before Michael Vick the National Football League had never seen such an elusive and athletic quarterback.  He came into the league as the 1st pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft.

 As soon as he came into the league he became one of the most elite quarterbacks to play the game. Over the span of 6 years Vick played in 3 Pro Bowls, Set the single season rushing yard record for a QB with, 1,039 yards. He also led the Falcons to the NFC Championship game back in 05’.  He even became the highest paid quarterback with a 10 year 130 million dollar contract in 2004. He was the hardest quarterback to game plan against due to his incredible athleticism and surprising arm strength. 

 It seemed that Vick was unstoppable until July of 2007 he was charged with a felony for dog fighting. He was charged with executing dogs, fighting dogs, and handling the gambling money. Vick was sentenced to 19 months in prison. Vick was released on May 20th, 2009. He was forced with two months of home confinement before he was free.

 On August 13, 2009 Mike was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles to back up Donovan McNabb. Vick was doing things like volunteering for charities and talking to children to try and right his wrongs. Student Rey Soto states “ It really seemed like he wanted to change his ways for the best, which therefore improved him on and off the field.” In 2010 Eagles starter Kevin Kolb went down with an injury which opened the door to the dynamic Michael Vick.  In Vick's career with the Eagles he threw for over 9,000 yards and rushed for 1,998 yards. He would retire after being with the Jets and Steelers for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

 Although Vick had a major roadblock in his career but he was able to come back and rebuild the person that he once was. Mike Vick’s story is one of victory, defeat and redemption.  Michael Vick will always be known as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, dual-threat quarterbacks to ever play the game.