Michael Vick played for four distinct NFL teams across a turbulent and historic 13-season career. Selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, he redefined the quarterback position with unprecedented rushing ability and a powerful left arm. His career spans his explosive initial years in Atlanta, a major federal imprisonment interruption, an inspiring comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles, and late-career stints with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Understanding Michael Vick requires looking closely at how each franchise utilized his unique skill set. His journey alters the standard narrative of modern dual-threat quarterbacks, leaving a legacy that still influences how teams draft and coach mobile signal-callers today.
Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006)
The Atlanta Falcons traded up with the San Diego Chargers to secure Vick with the first overall pick in 2001. He spent his rookie season primarily backing up Chris Chandler, flashing potential in limited action. By 2002, he took over as the full-time starter and immediately transformed the franchise.
During his time in Atlanta, Vick achieved several major milestones:
- Led the Falcons to a historic playoff victory against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in January 2003, handing the Packers their first-ever home playoff loss.
- Became the first NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, setting the single-season rushing record for a quarterback with 1,039 yards in 2006.
- Earned three Pro Bowl selections while wearing the red and black.
His tenure in Atlanta came to an abrupt halt in 2007 when federal dogfighting charges led to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment. The NFL suspended him indefinitely, and the Falcons released him, closing the first chapter of his career.
Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013)
After serving 18 months in federal prison and completing his sentence, Vick was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2009. The Philadelphia Eagles signed him as a backup to Donovan McNabb. This second chance provided the most statistically dominant passing stretch of his career under head coach Andy Reid.
In 2010, following an injury to Kevin Kolb, Vick stepped into the starting role and delivered a career year. He threw for 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 676 yards and 9 scores. That performance earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and a Pro Bowl nod, alongside a second-place finish in Associated Press MVP voting. His Monday Night Football masterclass against the Washington Redskins in 2010—where he accounted for six total touchdowns—stands as one of the single greatest individual games by a quarterback in league history.
New York Jets (2014)
As injuries caught up to him and younger talent emerged in Philadelphia, Vick signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets ahead of the 2014 season. Initially brought in to compete with or mentor second-year quarterback Geno Smith, Vick eventually took over starting duties mid-season.
He appeared in 10 games for the Jets, starting three, and threw for 604 yards with three touchdowns. Though the Jets struggled as a team finishing with a 4-12 record, Vick provided veteran stability during a transitional period for the franchise before hitting free agency once more.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2015)
Vick's final NFL stop came in Pittsburgh, where he signed a one-year deal in August 2015 to back up Ben Roethlisberger. When Roethlisberger suffered a knee injury early in the season, Vick stepped in to start three consecutive games.
He played in five total games for the Steelers, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns while adding 99 yards on the ground. Following the 2015 season, he remained unsigned through 2016 and officially announced his retirement from the NFL in February 2017 through a retirement ceremony arranged with the Atlanta Falcons.
You can read more about his official playing records and historical transactions directly on Pro Football Reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pro Bowls did Michael Vick make?
Michael Vick earned four Pro Bowl selections during his career: three with the Atlanta Falcons and one with the Philadelphia Eagles.
What was Michael Vick's jersey number?
He famously wore number 7 for both the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. When he joined the New York Jets, he wore number 1, and with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he wore number 2.
Did Michael Vick win a Super Bowl?
No, Michael Vick never won a Super Bowl. The closest he came was reaching the NFC Championship Game with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2004 season, where they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
What are Michael Vick's career passing and rushing totals?
Over 143 regular-season games, Vick threw for 22,464 yards with 133 touchdowns, while rushing for 6,109 yards and 36 touchdowns, setting the benchmark for dual-threat quarterbacks.
