The Life of Michael Vick

Atlanta Falcons

The Life of Michael Vick

A look at the life of Michael Vick as an Atlanta Falcons QB and the crimes that lead to his imprisonment.

In June 2009, the Atlanta Falcons released Michael Vick less than five years after they inked the onetime franchise quarterback to a $130 million deal. On Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick to a two-year contract. Here's a look at Vick's history as an Atlanta Falcon and the crimes that led to his imprisonment.

April 21, 2001 -- The Atlanta Falcons selected Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick after the San Diego Chargers' traded away its first pick to the Falcons. Vick, pictured with his mother, Brenda Boddie and family, was considered an electrifying player on the field using his superior rushing skills to avoid hungry defenses.

Sept. 9, 2001 -- Vick hands off the ball to former Falcon Jamal Anderson in Vick's first National Football League game. The Falcons alternated Vick and starting quarterback Chris Chandler throughout the game. The Falcons lost in overtime 16-13.

Sept. 23, 2001 -- Vick gets past two Carolina Panthers' defenders to score his first NFL touchdown.

One of the high points of Vick's tutelage under Dan Reeves was an electrifying touchdown run in the Metrodome to beat the Vikings in 2002.

Jan. 4, 2003 - Vick embraces Green Bay Packers' quarterback Brett Favre following their NFC Wildcard game in Wisconsin. Vick led the Falcons to a 27-7 playoff upset of the Packers, the first home playoff loss in Green Bay history.

After a Pro Bowl season in 2002, Vick was sidelined for the first 11 games of the 2003 season with a fibula injury suffered in the preseason.

During the 2003 NFL season opener in Texas Stadium, Vick, with a fractured right fibula, was wheeled onto the field by Blank.

In 2004, Vick graced the cover of the Madden NFL video game.

The beginning of the 2004 season was a good one for Vick. Here, with his son Mitez, he celebrates a win over the Buccaneers.

Then came a lucrative Christmas gift from the Falcons when, on Christmas Eve 2004, they agreed upon a $100 million contract extension.

The pressure mounted in a dismal 8-8 season in 2005, as Vick and former Falcons coach Jim Mora watch the clock tick away on a 33-25 loss to the Packers.

Despite their close friendship, Falcons owner Arthur Blank put Vick and other leading Falcons figures on the hot seat in 2006. Vick asserted: 'I learn from my mistakes. I've had my share of mistakes over the years. It's all benefitting me now.'

In July 2006, MediaTakeOut.com, a website notorious for exposing private habits of public figures, posted this photo of Vick allegedly holding a marijuana cigarette at a party. The QB says it was a cigar, and that he's grown 'used to' such publicity. 'It's something I've got to deal with.'

But the 2006 season was another disappointing one for Vick and the Falcons, who were 7-9 and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

On November 2006, in frustration, the QB provided an obscene hand gesture directed toward booing fans. "This ain't the first time somebody had me on the Internet --- that's unbelievable, man. Y'all know me. Y'all know what I'm about. I ain't never gonna do anything to put this team in jeopardy."

Following the season, Vick weathered a media storm after an incident at the Miami airport over a water bottle with alleged marijuana traces. After an investigation, no drugs were found --although there was a secret compartment where Vick said he hid jewelry. He faced no criminal charges.

Then it seemed as if things started looking up. Vick opened a new business, The Tasting Room, in College Park in March 2007 and in May, he gathered with the Falcons as the Fox Theatre to watch the Falcons highlight film.

Days later, as dogfighting charges were raised in relation to property Vick owned in Virginia, he was bombarded with questions during the team's spring minicamp. He maintained his innocence.

In early June 2007, authorities in Surry County, Virginia seized 66 dogs and equipment believed to be related to dogfighting from property owned by Vick. The outbuildings and doghouses, painted black, and seen here were part of the investigation.

Still, Vick, seen here leaving the field at the end of team practice in June 2007, denied any involvement in dog dogfighting.

Protesters began forming outside of the Falcons Flowery Branch headquarters. This event, held July 2007, was staged by PETA.

On Aug. 27, 2007 Michael Vick pled guilty to felony charges of dogfighting. His sentence was 23 months in a federal prison. In November 2007, he pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge and under a plea agreement, he received a three-year suspended prison term and a $2,500 fine on a charge of attending, sponsoring and participating in dogfights.

On that same day, the QB offered the apology heard round the world, which included a reference to having "found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God." "What I did was very immature, so that means I need to grow up, " Vick said.

That same day, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and GM Rich McKay (background) held a press conference to discuss his response to the plea. Blank said he accepted Vick's apologies, some of which have been personal. But he added that he was "profoundly disappointed" in Vick and asserted the quarterback had damaged the reputation of the Falcons and the NFL and betrayed the trust of many people.

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In June 2009, the Atlanta Falcons released Michael Vick less than five years after they inked the onetime franchise quarterback to a $130 million deal. On Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick to a two-year contract. Here's a look at Vick's history as an Atlanta Falcon and the crimes that led to his imprisonment.

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