Former NFL star quarterback and current Norfolk State Spartans Head Football Coach Michael Vick has offered his take on basketball’s most enduring and divisive conversation: the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate. While the spotlight typically narrows to a head-to-head battle between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Vick argues forcefully that the narrative is incomplete without the inclusion of the late, legendary Kobe Bryant.
Vick, who was selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft after an electrifying college career at Virginia Tech, spent 13 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006), Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013), New York Jets(2014), and Pittsburgh Steelers (2015). Over his career, the four-time Pro Bowl selection set an NFL record for a quarterback with 6,109 rushing yards, in addition to throwing for 22,464 passing yards and 133 touchdowns. He took the reins of the Norfolk State football program in late 2024.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, the former NFL star rejected the notion that the conversation is growing tired, calling it a topic he enjoys on “so many levels,” regardless of who is arguing.
The Debate is ‘Not Old’—But Incomplete
When asked if the Michael Jordan/LeBron James debate is starting to feel old, Vick, who led Virginia Tech to the national championship game in 1999 and became known as the ultimate dual-threat quarterback, was quick to dismiss the notion, expressing his deep enjoyment of the topic.
“No. It’s not old. I enjoy that topic on so many levels,” Vick stated. “Whether I’m arguing with a 15-year old kid or I’m watching two 15-year olds argue or if watching two 26-year olds argue about this topic.”
However, Vick then laid out his primary issue with the prevailing two-man conversation: the exclusion of Kobe Bryant.
“I just hate the fact that—and this where it’ll never get old—because you GOTTA add Kobe into that mix,” he insisted. “So it should be: Kobe, LeBron and MJ. So it’ll never be old because you’re looking at two of the greatest players of all time.”
Praising LeBron’s God-Given Gifts
Vick, a product of the Jordan era who retired with the NFL’s all-time rushing record for a quarterback, admitted he is still “boggled” by the unprecedented physical and skill combination of LeBron James.
“My mind is still boggled because I grew up in the Jordan era but, that LeBron James is SERIOUS! When God made him he said, I’m going to make you 6′8″ and you’re going to be Jason Kidd, Magic and A.I. all in one! You gotta love it. And you’re 6′8′!”
Appreciating Jordan’s Lethal Mid-Range
While he marvels at James’s unique blend of size and skill, Vick highlighted the effortless brilliance of Jordan’s offensive game, particularly his scoring prowess.
“But there’s always going to be those comparisons,” Vick said. “It’s just when you think about Jordan it’s almost like Jordan never missed a shot. Jordan was so good that he had a jumper that was just out of this world so you look at all the great things he did like attacking the rack but what about when he was shooting? When he had that fadeaway going? It’s not old. It’s not old at all.”
The GOAT Pick: A Spectator’s Stance
Despite his deep appreciation for all three legends, the current Norfolk State Spartans Head Football Coach opted out of making a definitive pick for the ultimate GOAT, preferring to enjoy the passionate back-and-forth from the sidelines.”For real for real, I’ll let someone else argue that one [laughs]… I can’t get into that one man,” Vick concluded. “I just like the spectator arguments because for real, I know that I’m going to get a winning formula with ANY one of those guys and I just judge greatness and I’m not going to pinpoint a guy—Jordan/ LeBron: The Conversation Lives On—To Be Continued!”
