Football player, four-time Pro-Bowl quarterback, sustains fibula fracture during preseason
Michael Vick's career in the NFL has been marked by a unique blend of triumphs and setbacks, with the former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback now embarking on a new journey as the head football coach at Norfolk State University.
Vick's NFL career began in 2002 with the Falcons, where he quickly rose to prominence for his electrifying playing style. In 2004, he was named the cover athlete for Madden NFL, a prestigious honour that unfortunately became associated with the so-called "Madden Curse." Shortly after the release of the game, Vick suffered a fractured fibula during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, sidelining him for the first 11 games of the 2003 season. This injury derailed what was expected to be a peak year for him, as the Falcons struggled in his absence.
Despite this setback, Vick led the Falcons into the playoffs in 2003, upsetting the Green Bay Packers in the first round. However, his performance and team success never quite reached the same heights after this injury and other challenges, including a dog fighting arrest in 2007 that resulted in a 21-month prison sentence.
Vick returned to the NFL in 2009, signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid, Vick revitalized his career and was named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2010. Reid expressed his support for Vick's new role at Norfolk State, predicting that he will be great for the university.
Now, as the head coach at Norfolk State, Vick is fortunate to have the opportunity to teach young men the game he loves. His old head coach sent him a celebratory message when he learned of his new role, and Reid also expressed class and support for Vick in his new position. As Vick looks to make a positive impact on the lives of his players and the Norfolk State football programme, he can reflect on his own journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.
[1] Sports Illustrated: Michael Vick's Madden Curse
[2] ESPN: Michael Vick's comeback and the Madden Curse
[4] CBS Sports: Michael Vick's Madden Curse
- Michael Vick's NFL career experienced a significant challenge when the Madden NFL game, showcasing his likeness, was released in 2004, a period often referred to as the "Madden Curse."
- Beyond his illustrious career in the NFL, which includes playing for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, Vick can now share his knowledge and passion for American football as the head coach at Norfolk State University.
- The prestige of being the cover athlete for an NFL game, as Vick experienced, can have its ups and downs, as some believe it is accompanied by a career-halting curse.
