Michael Vick is once again in the spotlight, but this time, it's not for his athletic prowess on the field. The former NFL star is working on a movie project about his life, a story that promises to delve into the highs and lows of a career that has been both celebrated and scrutinized. “I wouldn't play myself, but we're definitely working on a movie. I think it's warranted,” Vick says, hinting at the complexity and drama that his life story entails.
Further adding to his off-field endeavors, Vick is also hosting the docuseries "Evolution of the Black Quarterback," which aired recently. His efforts offer a reflection on the role and impact of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, a role he has played no small part in shaping. The series pays homage to pioneers like Doug Williams and Warren Moon, acknowledging the paths they paved for the likes of Vick and others. One notable milestone highlighted in the series is the historic 2024 NFL season, where 15 Black quarterbacks were named Week 1 starters, a remarkable testament to how far the league has come.
Vick's influence on today's NFL cannot be understated. He is the league's all-time leading rusher at the quarterback position and famously graced the cover of "Sports Illustrated" in 2005 with the headline, "I am a quarterback.” This cover was more than a moment of personal pride for Vick; it was a statement against the critics who believed his dynamic play style was not sustainable for a quarterback. “In 2005, 'Sports Illustrated' front cover, I'm on it, saying, 'I am a quarterback.' That's because I was fighting with people and the media [saying] the style is not sustainable, you can't win a Super Bowl that way. ... I was torn on whether I should just try to be a pure pocket passer or just be me,” Vick reveals.
Vick’s decision to stay true to his style reshaped the quarterback position. His ability to run and pass effectively challenged traditional notions and opened doors for future generations of versatile quarterbacks. “It almost deterred me from playing quarterback. If I believed in that [talk], and didn't push to play quarterback at the age of 18, 19, I'd never be a part of the change. And maybe we never see Lamar or we never see Cam or we never see Patrick. Who knows? It's a what-if. But God finds a way to make sure that everything is OK when it's all said and done,” Vick reflects on the potential ripple effects of his career choices.
The legacy of Michael Vick is evident in the players who followed in his footsteps, including Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts. These quarterbacks have adopted elements of Vick's game, proving that mobility combined with a strong arm can be a winning formula. “Now, it doesn't matter if you're black or white, as long as you have an understanding of the offense, if you can run and throw. You look like me, you look like Jalen [Hurts], you look like Lamar [Jackson], you look like Patrick [Mahomes], you look like Josh Allen. Now it's equal. ... I fought to change the game. I didn't know I was changing the game. I was just playing my game,” Vick reflects on his transformative impact.
Vick’s career, highlighted by four Pro Bowl selections, is not only a testament to his talent but also to his role in changing the perception and expectations of what a quarterback can be. His journey from the cover of "Sports Illustrated" to pioneering modern-day NFL offenses underscores his significant influence on the game. “But look what we got out of it: We got Cam Newton. We got Lamar Jackson. We got Patrick. We got Jalen. We got guys who are giving their teams the opportunity to win the Super Bowl,” Vick summarizes, pointing to the tangible outcomes of his groundbreaking career.
As Michael Vick continues to explore new avenues—whether through film or docuseries—his legacy as a player who reshaped the quarterback landscape remains indisputable. His ongoing contributions to the narrative of Black quarterbacks in the NFL will undoubtedly inspire future generations, ensuring that his impact on the sport endures long after the final whistle.