“I cried so many nights. I was disgusted with myself…because I could’ve shut the whole operation down. I could have walked away from it. I could’ve put a stop to it. But I didn’t,” Michael Vick once admitted. Back in 2001, he made history by being drafted No. 1 overall as an African-American quarterback. His sole mission was to make his parents and his community proud, and he battled through every obstacle to turn that dream into reality. But in 2007, everything changed. At the height of his fame, Vick’s world came crashing down when he was arrested for running a dogfighting ring.
Vick admitted his guilt, resulting in the loss of all his endorsements and a 23-month term of incarceration. It derailed his football dreams and crushed his reputation. By the time he got out of prison, Vick had lost his career and the life he’d built for his family. He filed for bankruptcy after losing millions and having no public support at all. But in 2010, he surprised the world with his comeback. The Philadelphia Eagles gave him a shot at redemption, and he made the most of it by winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. In over 12 games, Vick passed for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 676 yards and 9 touchdowns.
On The Cookout Black History Month Speaker Series, Michael Vick shared, “Like it was just a hunger inside of me. I just needed to get back to where I was at one point in my life. I just knew what that was like and I knew my family deserve that. I robbed them of, imagine just getting your most prized possession and just having it taken away from you.” Vick admitted about the pain and regret that he’d taken everything away from the people who stood by him the most. “I bring them to that point and then, you know, to abruptly just have everything go away.” When questioned about his thoughts after being released from prison, he acknowledged in an interview that he lost everything and went bankrupt. He said that he had a “negative $1000 in bank account.”
Vick really meant it when he said he’d do whatever it takes. ” I felt like that just wasn’t fair to my family. So, I was like, you know, I’m going to do everything I can to get it back. It took a lot of sacrifice, too,” he said. After prison, he had to start from scratch. He rebuilt his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and worked harder than ever to prove he’d changed. In 2010, Vick’s resurgence began under unexpected circumstances. But he seized the opportunity and guided the Eagles to a 10-6 record and an NFC East Championship. His remarkable return to form earned him the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award, cementing one of the most memorable redemption arcs in league history. Michael Vick still managed to turn his life around and walk away with a net worth of $4 million. That $4 million legacy isn’t just about money; it’s about bouncing back when life hit him hard.
For Vick, life is just not about football anymore; it’s about purpose. It’s about redemption. He’s comeback mission for now is helping the next generation of young men. “I got to take myself out of the equation,” he said. “Just take those young men who are the ones who want, you know, they want the best for themselves and and just give them the game and just teach them to be good men, good good football players, and hopefully they go on and do something amazing with their lives.”
Michael Vick’s journey from NFL spotlight to sidelines
Michael Vick recently returned to the world of football, but this time, on the sidelines. With a Norfolk State jacket and cap, Vick stood proud in front of a hometown crowd that included legends like Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith. He shared, “I was talking to my high school coach a couple weeks ago, and I told him I wanted to be a football coach one day, a couple years from now.” Then, out of the blue, he got a call from former Hokie teammate and current state senator Aaron Rouse, along with Norfolk State’s athletic director Melody Webb, asking if he’d be interested in leading them.
“It wasn’t the easiest decision to make,” Vick admitted.“I’ve got family that I considered, I care about, and I love. This requires a lot of change in lifestyle. But at the same time, it allows me to serve young men in my community.” Webb called it a huge moment for the school, saying she’s pumped to have Vick and his family back in the Hampton Roads area. With Vick’s deep roots in Virginia and his legendary football journey, Webb believes he’s the perfect guy to reshape the program and boost recruiting.
“Coach Vick is one of the most electric athletes to ever come out of Virginia,” she said. “From humble beginnings to massive stardom, we hope that his story will translate to student-athletes here at Norfolk State. I am confident that our football program will establish sustainable recruiting pipelines in the state of Virginia and across the country with this hire.” After 13 seasons in the NFL, including standout performances with the Falcons and Eagles, Vick brings the kind of expertise that can transform the game for the Spartans, and signals a bold new era for the Norfolk State Spartans.
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