
Michael Vick’s Early Life and Education
Michael Vick was born on June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia, as the second of four children to Brenda Vick and Michael Boddie, then unmarried teenagers. His mother worked two jobs, obtained public financial assistance and had help from her parents, while his father worked long hours in the shipyards as a sandblaster and spray-painter. He grew up in a crime-ridden neighborhood and faced many challenges and hardships as a child.
Vick developed a passion for football at a young age and showed exceptional talent and athleticism. He attended Warwick High School, where he played as a quarterback and led his team to several victories. He also played basketball and baseball and was a standout in both sports. He graduated from high school in 1998 and received an athletic scholarship to attend Virginia Tech, where he continued to play football as a quarterback.
Vick had an outstanding college football career at Virginia Tech, where he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship game appearance in 1999. He also won several awards and honors, such as the Archie Griffin Award, the Big East Offensive Player of the Year, the Big East Rookie of the Year, and the first-team All-American selection. He decided to forgo his final two years of college eligibility and declared for the 2001 NFL Draft.
Michael Vick’s Career as an NFL Player
Vick was selected as the first overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, making him the first African-American quarterback to be drafted with the top pick. He signed a six-year contract worth $62 million with the Falcons, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league at that time.
Vick quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and electrifying players in the NFL, as he dazzled fans and opponents with his speed, agility, and arm strength. He became a four-time Pro Bowler and finished second in the NFL Most Valuable Player voting in 2004. He also set several records during his time with the Falcons, such as becoming the first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season in 2006
Vick’s time with the Falcons, however, came to a sudden end in 2007 when he was detained and accused of being a part of a dog fighting ring. He was given a 23-month prison term after entering a guilty plea to federal conspiracy and dog fighting offences. Additionally, Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, placed him on extended leave.
Vick spent two months in home confinement and 18 months of his time at the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas. On July 20, 2009, he was discharged from federal custody. On July 27, 2009, Goodell granted his request for conditional reinstatement to the NFL.
Vick signed a one-year contract worth $1.6 million with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13, 2009. He served as a backup quarterback for Donovan McNabb in his first season with the Eagles. In his second season, he became the starting quarterback after McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins. Vick had a remarkable comeback season in 2010, leading the Eagles to an NFC East division title and earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
Additionally, he received other honours, including the Bert Bell Award, The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year, and NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
On August 29, 2011, Vick agreed to a six-year extension with the Eagles worth $100 million, with $40 million of that amount guaranteed. His following three seasons with the Eagles were marred by injuries and patchy play, though. He was dismissed by the Eagles following that season after Nick Foles won the starting role over him in 2013.
Vick signed a one-year contract worth $5 million with the New York Jets on March 21, 2014. He played as a backup quarterback for Geno Smith and started three games for the Jets.
In 2014, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to accrue more than 6,000 running yards.
On August 25, 2015, Vick agreed to a $970,000 one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started three games for the Steelers and served as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup quarterback. He sustained a hamstring injury in Week 6, and on November 24, 2015, he was put on the injured reserve list.
Vick did not participate in the 2016 NFL season. On February 3, 2017, he declared his retirement from the league. With 6,109 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, 22,464 passing yards, 133 passing touchdowns, 88 interceptions, and an 80.4 passer rating at the end of his NFL career.
Michael Vick’s Net Worth and Salary
Michael Vick has an estimated net worth of $16 million as of September 2022. He earned most of his wealth from his long and successful career as an NFL player. His total career earnings from NFL contracts amounted to $121 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
However, Vick’s legal issues and bankruptcy caused him to lose a substantial portion of his income. He was forced to pay millions of dollars in fines, restitution, and legal costs after being sued by numerous creditors and victims of his dog fighting ring. After his arrest and conviction, he also lost a lot of his endorsement deals and possessions. In July 2008, he applied for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing $16 million in assets and $20.4 million in liabilities2.
In December 2009, Vick consented to a reorganisation plan that called for him to repay his creditors $17.6 million over the course of six years. Additionally, he consented to give his creditors the majority of his future earnings until his debt was settled.
Vick also makes money from endorsements, appearances, merchandise sales, book deals, and real estate. He has endorsed brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, EA Sports, Kraft Foods, and Subway. He has also appeared on shows such as “The Michael Vick Project”, “Baller Wives”, and “The Masked Singer”. He has also written or co-written several books about his life and career, such as “Finally Free: An Autobiography” (2012) and “Michael Vick: Finally Free” (2013).
Michael Vick’s Personal Life
Vick is married to Kijafa Frink since June 30, 2012. They have two daughters together: Jada (born 2004) and London (born 2007). Vick also has two sons from previous relationships: Mitez (born 2002) and Michael Jr.c1. They live together in Atlanta with their four dogs: Angel, Cocoa, Fefe, and Gotti.
Vick is a devout Christian and has been involved in various charitable causes. He has contributed to charities like The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, The Humane Society of the United States, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Team Freedom Outreach Programme, The Ron Jaworski Foundation, The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia, The Virginia Tech Victims Fund, The Michael Vick Foundation, and The Vickto.
FAQs
How old is Michael Vick?
Michael Vick is 42 years old as of September 2022. He was born on June 26, 1980.
How tall is Michael Vick?
Michael Vick is 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall.
What is Michael Vick’s real name?
Michael Vick’s real name is Michael Dwayne Vick.
Is Michael Vick married?
Yes, Michael Vick is married to Kijafa Frink since June 30, 2012.
How many children does Michael Vick have?
Michael Vick has four children: two daughters and two sons.