In a candid conversation, former NFL star quarterback Michael Vick offers a glimpse into the mindset that defined his electrifying career, his path from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of football, and his current role guiding the next generation.
Born in Newport News, Virginia, Vick’s football journey began with a relentless, no-holds-barred approach that he attributes to his childhood environment. “I didn’t care when I was in the backyard playing when I was a kid,” he recalls, describing how games were played amid discarded trash and chicken grease. This fearlessness translated to the professional field, explaining his famous refusal to slide: “Sliding is a mindset. Sliding is: I’m protecting myself. I didn’t give a damn… I’m trying to get that extra first down! And while I’m getting that extra first down, I’m trying to entertain.” Though acknowledging this led to “a lot of injuries,” it speaks to a “will to win” that he likens to NBA legends Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant.
The Story and the Stats
Vick’s path to the NFL started at Virginia Tech, where he quickly became a phenomenon. His exceptional college performance led to him being drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft.
He played an impressive 13 years in the league, suiting up for four different teams: the Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006), the Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013), the New York Jets (2014), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2015).
Reflecting on his career, Vick expresses gratitude and a humble perspective on his potential Hall of Fame candidacy. “I wouldn’t be surprised but I’ll say a prayer about it,” he says, adding, “I would go in as a Falcon because I spent most of my years with the Falcons.” However, he also holds deep affection for his second home, Philadelphia, a city Allen Iverson promised would “love” him. “You can’t say nothing about Philly! I’m like one of the fans out there in Philly!”
Connecting to Current Greatness
In the conversation, Vick drew comparisons between current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and all-time basketball greats. “Absolutely!! He gives me Magic Johnson vibes; he gives me Jason Kidd vibes, and he gives me Steph Curry vibes,” Vick insists, noting how Mahomes, like Curry, makes “greatness without trying.” He also discussed the evolution of the quarterback position, predicting that in twenty years, “EVERYBODY is going to look like Patrick. Everybody’s going to look like Josh Allen. Everybody’s going to look like Cam Newton.”
Vick’s desire for greatness was also fueled by his encounters with the late Kobe Bryant. Kobe was “ALWAYS dropping gems,” telling Vick, “Be great! Keep being epic!”
Post-Playing Career and Coaching
Following his playing days, Vick spent time as a studio analyst for NFL telecasts on the Fox Broadcasting Company, transitioning to the media side of the sport. Now, he’s taken his career into coaching.
His new chapter sees him serving as the Head Football Coach for the Norfolk State Spartans at the college level, returning him to his home state of Virginia. The coaching role is a natural fit, as he mentions his former coach Andy Reid once challenging him to be “more involved” in the game planning during his playing days with the Eagles. He’s embracing the opportunity to impact players, a quality his former Eagles teammates recognized when he spent time on the scout team “helping guys develop and teaching.”
