Michael Dwayne Vick is one of the greatest athletes in the NFL. He was born on June 26, 1980 in Newport News, which is a town near Norfolk, Virginia. Vick's childhood was very hard. His mother Brenda was 16 when she had him and his father Michael Boddie was 17. Vick's parents had two more children before him and would have two more before they got married in 1985. His father was in the army and worked long hours in the shipyards. Because of this, Vick saw little of his father growing up.
Michael Vick's father was the one who introduced him to football. Vick spent some time practicing with his older cousin Aaron Brooks who is now the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. When he was in junior high, he became a disciplinary problem so his mother Brenda encouraged him to get involved with after-school activities. After he moved to Warwick High School in 1994, he devoted himself to football even though he showed talent in baseball and basketball.
Michael Vick
2001 first-overall draft pick Michael Vick at the ...
Michael Vick about to pass.During Vick's high school career, his football talent began to shine. Under the guidance of his coach, Tommy Reamon, a former running back, Vick developed a trademark style. By the time high school graduation came around, Vick had thrown for 4,846 yards and 43 touchdowns, and ran for another 1,048 yards and 18 touchdowns. Vick was asked to join colleges nationwide. Finally, he decided to go with Virginia Tech, which was Reamon's recommendation.
Vick arrived at Virginia Tech in the summer of 1998. In his first year, Vick passed for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns, and 585 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. He also won the first-ever Archie Griffin Award for collegiate MVP. His numbers went down in his sophomore year due to increased pressure...