The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is counting down the Top 50 players in Atlanta Falcons history during the franchise’s 50th anniversary season. No. 10 is quarterback Michael Vick.
Years played for Falcons: Michael Vick played for the Falcons for six seasons, starting five. During his tenure in Atlanta Vick led the Falcons to two playoff appearances in 2002 and 2004 and was a Pro Bowl selection both seasons along with the 2005 season. While in Atlanta Vick passed for 11,505 yards and 71 touchdowns while also adding 3,859 yards on the ground along with 21 rushing scores. Vick also led the Falcons to one of their most memorable postseason wins in franchise history, a 27-7 win at Lambeau field against Brett Farve and the Packers.
Jersey No.: 7
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His impact on the team: Michael Vick electrified football in his years with the Falcons, not only in the city of Atlanta, but also all over the country. The dual threat quarterback brought another dynamic to the game that teams had not seen before. In 2002 Vick set the single game record for most rushing yards by a quarterback against the Vikings totaling 173 yards on the ground. He also became the first player in NFL history to pass for 250 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game when he did in 2004. Vick's best season in Atlanta came in 2002 when he led the Falcons to a 9-6-1 record behind nearly 3,000 passing yards and 16 touchdowns to match 777 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. In 2006, Vick threw for 20 touchdowns. Vick changed the Atlanta fan base during his time in Atlanta and was rewarded with a 10-year $135 million contract in 2004. In 2007, after his infamous dog-fighting scandal occurred, he was suspended by the league and later served 18 months in prison. He did not return to football until 2010 – a three-year layoff – when the Philadelphia Eagles signed the free agent, giving him a second chance.
On spending 18 months in prison: "The first day I walked into prison and he slammed that door, I knew the magnitude of the decision that I made and the poor judgment, and what I allowed to happen to the animals. And, you know, it's no way of explaining the hurt and the guilt that I felt. And that was the reason I cried so many nights. And that put it all into perspective." (CBS News)
On relationship with Arthur Blank: "I still communicate with Arthur Blank. That relationship will always be there and I appreciate his friendship." (AJC)
Dan Reeves on Vick: "When looking at the big picture, you're talking about a quarterback who's had all the ability in the world, a guy who could've accomplished great things. Maybe he still can, but it seems like he's made it awfully tough on himself.'' (Statesboro Herald)
Where he is now: Vick, now 35, is a backup quarterback in Pittsburgh for the Steelers. He is in his 13th season in the NFL. After pleading guilty to dog-fighting charges in 2007 Vick spent 548 days behind bars. The Falcons released Vick in 2009 and he would sign with the Eagles in 2010 and win AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
50: Chuck Smith
49: Michael Haynes
47: John Zook
46: Ken Reaves
45: Lynn Cain
44: Justin Blalock
43: Bobby Butler
42: Tim Mazzetti
41: Buddy Curry
40: Scott Case
39: Jeff Merrow
38: Elbert Shelley
37: Matt Bryant
36: Alge Crumpler
35: Michael Turner
34: Ray Buchanan
33: Chris Hinton
32: Terance Mathis
31: Devin Hester
30: Don Smith
29: Greg Brezina
28: Chris Miller
27: John James
26: Bob Whitfield
25: Rolland Lawrence
24: Alfred Jenkins
23: Billy Johnson
22: Chris Chandler
21: Morten Andersen
20: John Abraham
19: George Kunz
18: Jamal Anderson
17: Keith Brooking
16: R.C. Thielemann
15: Tony Gonzalez
14: Andre Rison
13: Julio Jones
12: Roddy White
11: Steve Bartkowski
10: Michael Vick
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