An elementary student who first showed an interest in baseball and basketball,
Michael Vick
later developed his love of football. Born in June 1980, this Newport News,
Virginia native is now the quarterback for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
In his early teens, Vick became involved in football as his choice after-school
activity. At that time, he seemingly gave up all other sports in order to
concentrate on football. Through high school, his love of football flourished
and carried over into his college years. Attending Virginia Teach, Michael Vick
gained instant stardom as a collegiate player with 3 rushing touchdowns during
his first game. With the help of Vick, the Virginia Tech Hokies enjoyed a
phenomenal 11-0 season and secured a seat at the 2000 Bowl Championship Series.
Even though they were defeated by Florida, Michael Vick led the team to an
impressive comeback after being 21 points down at one point.
During Michael Vick’s inaugural collegiate season, he led the NCAA in passing
efficiency, which earned him a record setting year for a freshman.
Additionally, he was awarded the ESPY award as the nation’s top college player,
the inaugural Archie Griffin Award and was voted third in the 1999 Heisman
Trophy candidates. With all of the awards and recognition, all eyes quickly
became fixed on Michael Vick’s participation with the Virginia Tech Hokies. In
2001, however, he decided to pursue his dream of professional football and set
his sites on the NFL as Virginia Tech retired his jersey.
In a strange twist of fate, Michael Vick found himself as part of the 2000
Major League Baseball draft when the Colorado Rockies selected him for their
team. A game that he had once given up during his teen years now seemed like a
probable route for the college athlete. However, Vick had other plans in mind.
In 2001, the Atlanta Falcons selected the youngster for their number one NFL
draft pick. Despite several injuries, Michael Vick led the Falcons to a record
11-5 season in 2004 and has led the NFL franchise to be one of most competitive
teams in the league.
As quarterback, Michael Vick’s memorabilia and his replica jerseys have become
one of the bestsellers for the NFL. The apparel and collectibles industry
remains one of the largest revenue producing sectors of any sport, including
the NFL. As fans flock to find their favorite gear, many seem to be lining up
for anything pertaining to Michael Vick and his tremendous contribution to the
Atlanta Falcons and the National Football League.
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