Michael Vick as a Falcon: Some brief shining moments …
I remember how it was that Saturday in 2001. I remember so many folks descending on Falcons headquarters for a scheduled draft-day celebration that traffic backed up for miles and even Hall County police couldn’t sort it out. I remember what Dan Reeves said about driving to work that giddy day: “People were pulling up beside me and giving me the thumbs-up. Usually they give me some other sign.”
I remember how thrilled we all were that Michael Vick was a Falcon. I remember Jamal Anderson — not Jamaal, but Jamal — saying how heady it felt to be part of an organization that traded up to make such a wonderful thing happen. I remember the feeling that a door to the future had been flung wide open, and that ahead was nothing but seashells and balloons.
I remember waiting for his apprenticeship to end, and I remember the giddiness over the opening game of the 2002 season and how splendid he was in an overtime loss at Lambeau Field. (He would soon revisit the scene to even greater effect.) I remember watching him grow week by week, from the breathless tie forged in Pittsburgh to the overtime wonder wrought in the Metrodome, and I remember thinking Jeff Hullinger said it perfectly on Falcons radio, that this was indeed “the incomparable Michael Vick.”
I remember the thrall in which we approached the 2003 season, with Vick and the Falcons coming off the playoff win in Green Bay and a Super Bowl seeming near at hand, and the utter deflation that accompanied his broken leg that Saturday night against Baltimore. And even then what I remember about that season isn’t all those Vick-less losses but the moment in Houston when he trotted on the field and even the opposing Texans were yelling to one another: “Vick’s in the game! Vick’s in the game!”
I remember 2004, the apex of his career, the DVD backfield and the stomping of the Rams on a Saturday night in the playoffs, and how headed for Philadelphia and the NFC title game it seemed fully possible Vick could contrive to beat a better team in the chill and the snow. And when he couldn’t quite, it figured to be no big deal. He and his team would be back soon enough.
But they weren’t. And what I remember about those next few years is of a career unraveling and a franchise imploding and the layers of a famous person being peeled back until we weren’t sure this was the same guy. We don’t need a recitation of all the incidents at this late date, for we know them all by heart. And indeed, that’s what the decline and fall of Michael Dwayne Vick did to us all: It hit us in the heart. It broke our hearts.
And now he’s a Falcon no longer. We’ve known for almost two years the day was coming, but still it arrived with a thud. He was once the best reason, often the only reason, to watch the Atlanta Falcons play, and it wasn’t only Atlantans who felt that way. I remember the Christmas when my wife had to go find a No. 7 jersey to take back to Northern Kentucky because our little niece had asked Santa for one.
I remember seeing him in his glory, orchestrating the fourth-quarter comeback against San Diego in 2004 and throwing the ball so expertly in Cincinnati in 2006, and I remember talking with him and feeling — every single time I walked away — that he was a good guy with a good heart. And now, when I remember the sobering spring of 2007 and everything thereafter, I feel only sadness.
He was the biggest athlete this city has ever seen. As much happiness as he brought us, he could and should have done so much more.
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258 comments Add your comment
The Truth
June 12th, 2009
2:15 pm
Excellent column Mark but did you ever dream that it was caused such rage and rants in your life?? Yes, Vick brought fans and attention (a lot of it unwanted and unwarranted) but he was never a complete QB. No, he did not make good choices and has lost it all along with a lot of respect. But it is now water under the bridge and time to move on….everybody just chill out and let it go…..I guarantee your blood pressure would be happy.
By the way Mark, I wish we could get about 10% of this passion involved with the Thrashers……
Lynn
June 12th, 2009
2:20 pm
Still can’t figure out why “What” won’t buy season tickets since he loves the Falcons so much now that MV is gone for good!
http://store.falcons365.com/store/
Arthur Blank would prefer your financial support as opposed to your blatherings on this blog. You didn’t support his team last year either and he thought for sure you would THIS season…I mean, the Saints fans came thru! Why not here? Say WHAT?? Say WHAT?? I can’t hear you…WHAT?
matt r
June 12th, 2009
2:21 pm
Truly a sad tale. Our city finally has “the guy” and it is all over so quickly. This column exactly reflects my memories of the 2000s Falcons. We are very lucky we have rebounded this quickly with a new QB, coach, and GM. Kudos to AB for never accepting anything less than success. AB, BUY THE BRAVES!
Vick Supporter
June 12th, 2009
2:21 pm
Great post Zoomie
Jimmy Repine
June 12th, 2009
2:25 pm
Michael Vick could have been one of the greatest PLAYERS, not just QB, but considered one of the greatest players ever to put on an NFL uniform. I think that it’s interesting that he had his best season under Dan Reeves, and I wonder at times what he would have done had Reeves remained the HC.
I don’t regret that we have Matt Ryan. Quite the opposite, I think he’s a great QB and a great guy. But the lingering sting and pain of what could have been with Vick will always be there.
He does deserve another chance. I just wonder what team has the courage to do it.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 12th, 2009
2:31 pm
The only sad thing about this day Mark is that it didn’t happen 2 years ago when Vick made his plea deal and the doors slammed shut behind him. Blank should have had the guts to come out cut Vick the day he admitted his guilt. Yep that would have ended the chapter then and there. New start, new head coach, big season last year to erase the Vick chapter and move on to positive things like next year. Blank had to know Vick wouldn’t be worth a dime after all this. Nobody would want to touch him or be associated with him in any professional manner. Should have had the guts to cut the ties. Blank doesn’t need the money. His reputation is worth more than what he gave Mike Vick.
Wes
June 12th, 2009
2:34 pm
I’ve got to agree with whoeever it was above that said Vick would have been successful had he had time with Dimitroff to build a proper team around him (or, for that matter, if Dan Reeves had never been let go).
And for the Vick Supporters … listen, I’m white, and I bought season tickets in 2004 because I wanted to see Vick play. There was no racisim directed towards Vick at the Dome, everyone at the Dome were Falcons fans and wanted the Falcons to win. If you’re basing your opinions on what is written in these blogs, you should be ashamed of yourself.
That being said, I hope this closes it out. He’s done his time, that’s the point of jail. He should be allowed to resume playing now, be it somewhere else.
And, hopefully, the rest of the city, Vick Supporter and all, can now get behind Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Tony G, and the rest of the new Atlanta Falcons. The franchise has a bright future ahead and this petty racist crap (on both sides) that always shows up on these blogs is so old. It’s 2009, and you live in one of the most racially diverse cities in the country. Get over your petty differences and pull for the team!
Keeping It Real
June 12th, 2009
2:37 pm
Zoomie,
Finally someone who can express all points of view without a racist spin. Good post.
Casey Stinkle
June 12th, 2009
2:38 pm
That face Vick is making is the same one I had when ESPN aired the dog fights. Wasn’t much of a passer anyway. Wasn’t ever going to lead this team like Ryan does. Like Johnny Ringo said….”bye”.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
2:39 pm
JUST ONE QUESTION – “WHEN WILL THE FRANCHISE EVER WIN ANOTHER PLAYOFF GAME”?
GO FALCONS!
Vick Supporter
June 12th, 2009
2:39 pm
That would be me who said that Vick would have been sucessful had he worked with Dimitroff. Can you believe that?
All I'm Saying
June 12th, 2009
2:40 pm
While I agree with your article Bradley, I do have to ask what do you think you know about what Hank Aaron meant to Atlanta or the Braves? Fact is you were not even living here when he played in this town and, furthermore, you moved here years after his playing days were done. Just write about Vick and don’t compare him to Hank Aaron at all—Hank deserves far better.
Vick Supporter
June 12th, 2009
2:41 pm
Matt Ryan = Noodle arm, one and done in the playoffs.
Mike Vick = Leads a one man team to the NFC Championship Game. 2 playoff wins and 3 probowls, numerous NFL Records.
You know who the best is
Vick 09
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
2:42 pm
GREAT ARTICLE MARK – HERE IS A QUOTE FROM THE FOUNDER OF THE UFL:
UFL founder Bill Hambrecht says Michael Vick, whom he called “probably the best football player in America,” deserves a spot back in football
HERE IS THE LINK: http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/2009/06/ufl-founder-fans-want-to-see-michael-vick-back-in-football.html
Officer Rivieri
June 12th, 2009
2:46 pm
Vick Supporter, will you please attack me in-person? You can even come at while I am off-duty.
I’d like to see just how much of a “man” you are when you are not hiding behind your keyboard, your blind rage and your immense stupidity there at your unearned, Affirmative Action-acquired job you always brag about on these blogs while on you type about Vick while wasting your employer’s money.
What are you going do, “pop a cap” in me and thump your chest in victory?
I think you will find me a bit tougher to slap around than a lady like Falcons DIva.
Simpleton.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
2:49 pm
MY NAME IS MATTY, SO SAD VICK IS GONE;
I CAN’T WIN PLAYOFF GAMES, HELL VICK DID IT ALONE.
NO MORE SELLOUTS, THE SPONSORS ARE ALL BROKE;
COMES DECEMBER, ONCE AGAIN I WILL CHOKE.
BAD GAMES AS A ROOKIE, MY FANS SAID IT WAS RUST;
BUT UNTIL I WIN PLAYOFFS, I AM JUST AN OVER-HYPED BUST.
CAN’T THROW 40 YARDS, I JUST THROW LOBS;
IF MY EYES WERE NOT BLUE, WOULDN’T EVEN HAVE A JOB.
THANKS TO MIKE TURNER, I LOOKED LIKE PRO;
BUT WE ALL KNOW, BY 2010 I WILL BE CUT AND LET GO.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
2:49 pm
Lynn…..my friend. Been a support of the Falcons financially long before Vick was even born. What? What? Give me part of your check and I’ll let you go to your 1st game with me. Just let me know if you get that check each week or at the first of the month so as I can make sure we set a game you will be able to attend.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
2:54 pm
Qouting a UFL owner with no fan base, no mascot, and only 4 teams…..priceless.
The Real Fan
June 12th, 2009
2:54 pm
It is time to close this.
We all know who the people are that use the code words. Like thug. Like banana.
We understand what is at play here.
There are those who were not and would not ever be happy with Michael Vick, and it had nothing to do with his football skills or dog fighting. We got it and get it still.
Wednesday’s event in DC said it all. Some are threatened by change. Mostly cowards since it is only through change that we grow and evolve.
I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1985 and will be there again this year. Because all the Falcons are my team and I don’t wish for them to fail. Any of them Like some people.
Green Tea
June 12th, 2009
2:54 pm
Mark, just because the media in Atl decides to shove Vick down our throats does not make it news.
Vick supporter, why are you posting with two names? Braveshater is obviously you as well ya moron. There I said it. You are a complete and utter MORON. Maybe you along with the Vick blogs will go away now that he isn’t a Falcon anymore…
Vick Supporter
June 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
@Officer Rivieri
That was a nice racist taunt you gave me. I’ll “put a cap” in you cause I’m black, right? The funny thing is, I don’t even own a gun, or have ever owned one. Meet you face to face? That would be lovely. I would love to smash my fist in your face
party pooper
June 12th, 2009
2:59 pm
vick supporter two….better keep your day job,if you have one
Paddy
June 12th, 2009
3:04 pm
If MV could have waited to be arrested till yesterday, he could be in that same cell with his brother Marcus. Did these two guys have parents? House arrest and county jail, now thats a pair to draw to.
Fred
June 12th, 2009
3:05 pm
Forbes Magazine
Free Michael Vick
Michael Vick spent 19 months in prison for financing a dog fighting operation and was released yesterday under home confinement. The 28-year-old must now be totally free to do what he is most capable of doing—quarterbacking an NFL team.
Vick has served his time under the law. He should not have to bend over backwards and do summersaults to prove anything to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Vick should not have to kiss the butt of the Humane Society or assist the animal rights group in any way. He should not have to “donate” any of his future earnings to any causes to repent. The law is the law. Vick broke it and paid the price. It is now time to completely free him.
http://blogs.forbes.com/sportsmoneyblog/2009/05/free-michael-vick.html
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
3:05 pm
BWAAA HA HA!!!! THE ONLY THING VICK FANS HAVE TWO HOLD ON TO IS 2004!! Why not talk about his last two years in Atlanta? Why not talk about his only full season when he started every game….2006?
WHY NOT? BECAUSED THEY SUCKED!!!!
Mookie
June 12th, 2009
3:09 pm
Vick supporter, you should punch him in the brown eye…
Vick Supporter
June 12th, 2009
3:11 pm
@What!!!
I think that the 2006 season was pretty good for what he had to work with. Undeveloped WRs dropping wide open passes for tds, running back (although a great person) who couldn’t get the tough 1st downs, etc etc etc. The entire offense was turning the corner towards the end of that season. You seem to have forgotten about the 8 td passes in 3 games stretch and the 1,039 yds rushing. Of course you would
News and views: 3 teams for Vick (and Smoltz-Braves iffy) | Jeff Schultz
June 12th, 2009
3:12 pm
[...] Michael Vick is released!!! Read about it here! And here! And here! And, oh, that’s [...]
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
WHEN WILL THE FALCONS WIN ANOTHER PLAYOFF GAME? ANYONE?
Lynn
June 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
I was quoting a billionaire with a fat checkbook and who would pay Vick a couple of mil to be a stepping stone. Apparently you didn’t get the memo that this is all the UFL HOPES to be. However, it should be crystal clear today that the NFL doesn’t want to chance losing merchandise sales like that. LOL You think the Falcons released Vick because it was “the best thing for us and Michael”….LMAO! Yeah, right. You’ll find out before July 2nd, just how it was the best thing for Michael…for the Falcons? not so much.
Pete
June 12th, 2009
3:13 pm
It feels like taking a nice hot shower after working out in the fields all day.
Clean………….rid of the dirt.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
2009 PLAYOFF GAME VS ARIZONA
2-INTERCEPTIONS
1-SAFETY
LOST TO UNDERDOG……ANYBODY KNOW WHO WAS THE QUARTERBACK?……..ANYONE?
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
3:23 pm
Only thing that I remember about 2006 is the team record of 7-9. Could careless about Vick’s stats because those stats didn’t do a thing for the team. Stop making excuses for your man Vick. The whole team has been better because of Vick doing the stupid things he did. Now those stats has proven to help the TEAM and for that I thank Vick.
Toto
June 12th, 2009
3:25 pm
Is anyone here really surprised that VICK SUPPORTER wants to beat up a police officer just because of his skin color and for his dislike of # 7 ?
Uneducated, ignorant and angry people, like VICK SUPPORTER, always want to mock people who are different from them and settle disagreements with violence due to not knowing any other way.
MV7’s collective fan base may be even dumber than he is.
Chris Chandler
June 12th, 2009
3:28 pm
Thanks for the props there Mark. I am the only Falcon QB to take the team to the Super Bowl. Also the only one to be named after Tiffany glasswear that hangs from a ceiling.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 12th, 2009
3:33 pm
Vick Supporter 2, the Falcons history book is full of disappointments. The fact they even made it to the playoffs last year is a miracle. You want something to complain about? Try being a Lions fan.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:33 pm
QUESTION:
LAST WEEK – SAINTS COACH VISITED MIKE VICK
THIS WEEK – RELEASED BY FALCONS
COINCIDENT?
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:35 pm
THE LIONS ACTUALLY HAVE A QUARTERBACK THAT CAN THROW PASSES DEEPER THAN 40 YARDS
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
3:38 pm
I hope Vick goes to the Saints. I would love to watch him fumble for another team for a change. Oh, but let’s not forget, Goodell has to give the ok to let Vick back. I hope he does cause Vick is who we thought he was! LOL!
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
3:40 pm
MATT RYAN voted best player under 30……BWAA HA HA!!! Makes ya’ll Vick fans mad don’t it.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:41 pm
VICK WAS SELECTED TO 3 PRO BOWLS – WHEN WILL THE NEXT FALCONS QB GO TO THE PRO BOWL & WIN A PLAYOFF GAME? ANYONE?
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:42 pm
JOE FLACCO……. 2 PLAYOFF WINS
MIKE VICK…….2 PLAYOFF WINS
MATT RYAN “LEAF”…… 1 PLAYOFF CHOKE
Wes
June 12th, 2009
3:43 pm
Mr. Supporter 2, this is espn’s list of the top 10 players in the NFC South they would build a team around. I stopped at 4. I’m assuming you only make stupid comments to get a rise out of people, and that’s cool, it’s a blog, but I’m curious whether you feel that you know more about the NFL than actual sportswriters and NFL scouts? If so, why aren’t you coaching or working as en executive in the NFL?
1. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans. You start a franchise with a quarterback and this guy threw for more than 5,000 yards last year.
2. Jordan Gross, T, Carolina. When you start with a quarterback, you’ve got to protect his blind side. Gross is the best pass-blocker in the division.
3. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina. If I were ranking by best overall players in the division, I’d start with Smith. As it is, I’ll take him third and let him be Brees’ top target. He originally was drafted in the third round anyway and this will keep the chip on his shoulder.
4. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta. I’m taking two quarterbacks because I can. If the window had been five years, I probably would have started this list with Ryan.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
3:46 pm
Vick Supporter 2…..was you even born when Vick went to the pro-bowl? Man, ya’ll really think that’s a big achievement.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 12th, 2009
3:47 pm
MATT RYAN “LEAF”….. 5 YEARS OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
MIKE VICK……..2 YEARS OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
MATT RYAN “LEAF”…… ZERO PLAYOFF WINS
MIKE VICK ……….TWO PLAYOFF WINS
MATT RYAN “LEAF”………. ZERO CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
MIKE VICK…………….1 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
MATT RYAN “LEAF”………. ZERO PRO BOWLS
MIKE VICK …………THREE PRO BOWLS
MATT RYAN “LEAF”………. 1ST PLAYOFF AT AGE 23
MIKE VICK………….1ST PLAY OFF GAME AT AGE 21
***YAWN***
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
3:51 pm
MIKE VICK………….FIRST MAN TO GET A CALL FROM PRISON THAT ENDED WITH I MISS YOU TO MY LOVE.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
4:06 pm
Now Marcus is looking at possible jail time. Would an NFL team want this families mess?
jmt
June 12th, 2009
4:09 pm
God Bless you Michael new beginning a new life time to move on and leave the past behind. Stay encouraged this will be good for you.
midnite
June 12th, 2009
4:16 pm
Well I see another of (real)BIG Mama Brenda Boddie’s boyz may be facing jail time, young Marcus that is. Brenda you have done a wonderful job raising yo’ lying boyz. Can’t blame their daddy(s) for leaving you. Will the real Mike Vick’s daddy(s) please stand up. Mike will violate his parole in less than a year, even before his indefinite suspension is lifted. Fine young men.
What!!!
June 12th, 2009
4:22 pm
jmt…it will be good for Vick. Has already been good for the Falcons.