On July 17, 2007, the Michael Vick dogfighting investigation took a turn that would drastically change the Falcons quarterback and the franchise. Vick was indicted on federal felony charges related to dogfighting. Much as changed for each since:

MICHAEL VICK

July 17, 2007 — Michael Vick indicted in federal court on felony charges related to dogfighting.

July 23 — NFL commissioner ordered Vick to stay away from Falcons training camp.

July 26 — Vick and three co-defendants pled not guilty. Trial set for Nov. 26.

July 30 — Co-defendant Tony Taylor pled guilty. Signed document stating charges are true.

Aug. 17 — Co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Philips pled guilty.

Aug. 20 — Vick agreed to plead guilty.

Aug. 24 — NFL suspended Vick indefinitely.

Aug. 27 — Vick pled guilty, Dec. 10 sentencing date set.

Sept. 25 — Vick and co-defendants indicted in Virginia on state dogfighting charges.

Sept. 26 — Court documents revealed Vick tested positive for marijuana on Sept. 13, 17 days after guilty plea.

Nov. 19 — Vick reported to prison early.

Dec. 10 — Vick sentenced to 23 months. Has release date of July 20, 2009.

Jan. 7, 2008 — Vick transferred to prison in Leavenworth, Kansas.

June 9 — Virginia prosecutor announced he won't try Vick and co-defendants until after federal prison time is served.

July 7 — Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Nov. 25 — Vick pleads guilty to a single charge of dog fighting in Virginia as part of state charges against him. The plea deal nets him no additional jail time and resolves his remaining criminal charges.

Feb. 26, 2009 — Federal prison officials tell media outlets that Vick will be allowed to serve the last two months of his sentence under home confinement because there is no room at a halfway house for him. He will be released from prison around May 2, officials say.

Feb. 27 — A judge orders Vick to appear in bankruptcy court in Virginia on April 2.

March 10 — Vick's Duluth mansion is auctioned to help pay off his bankruptcy debts. No one makes an offer for the property.

March 23 — Daniel Meachum, an original member of Vick's defense team, tells the AJC he has signed an exclusive three-year contract to represent Vick as his new defense lawyer.

March 25 — Vick is transferred from Leavenworth federal prison in Kansas to Virginia so he can attend his bankruptcy hearing the following week.

THE FALCONS

July 17, 2007 — Michael Vick indicted in federal court on felony charges related to dogfighting.

July 24 — Falcons owner Arthur Blank publicly recommended that Vick take a year off.

July 26 — Falcons opened training camp under first-year head coach Bobby Petrino amid supporters and protestors.

Sept. 23 — DeAngelo Hall got three straight penalties for 67 yards that led to a loss at Carolina. He got into a shouting match with Petrino on the sidelines, that started of the acrimony between player and coach.

Nov. 4 — Falcons home game against 49ers blacked out locally. The non-sellout is the first in 56 games at the Georgia Dome.

Dec. 11 — Petrino abruptly quit with a 3-10 record. The news comes one day after Blank told a national television audience that he has faith in Petrino.

Dec. 16 — News broke that Falcons were rebuffed by Bill Cowher to become head coach.

Dec. 19 — Bill Parcells backed out of a deal to become executive vice president. Blank stated that Rich McKay will no longer be general manager.

Dec. 30 — Falcons won final regular-season game to finish 4-12.

Jan. 12, 2008 — Falcons hired Thomas Dimitroff as general manager. McKay remained as vice president.

Jan. 23 — Falcons hired Mike Smith as head coach, their third in three years.

Feb. 15 — Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler cut as part of several roster moves.

March 3 — Running back Warrick Dunn cut.

March 20 — Cornerback DeAngelo Hall traded to Raiders.

April 26 — Falcons drafted quarterback Matt Ryan with the No. 3 pick.

May 4 — Linebacker Michael Boley arrested for battery.

May 20 — Ryan signed $72 million contract.

Aug. 25 — Falcons name Ryan their starting quarterback for the 2009 season.

Dec. 21 — Falcons clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs with a 24-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Dec. 28 — Falcons beat Rams 31-27 to finish regular season with 11-5 record.

Dec. 30 — Ryan named NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Jan. 3, 2009 — Falcons lose in first round of playoffs, 30-24 to Cardinals.

Feb. 13 — The Falcons' Dimitroff announces the team will try to trade the rights to Vick to another NFL team.

— Compiled by Chris Vivlamore