Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick wanted to play professional football in 2016, but no teams came calling for his services. On Friday, Vick decided to call it a career, when he announced his retirement at the age of 36.
Vick was one of most polarizing players in NFL history. He was one of the true elite athletes in American sports, selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech. He played in Atlanta for six years, before being convicted of heinous dog fighting charges, spending 21 months in federal prison.
After his release from prison, the Eagles signed Vick initially to a one-year deal, and he remained with the team for five years through 2013. After starter Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion against the Green Bay Packers Week 1 in 2010, Vick served as the top quarterback on the depth chart through until he was injured during the 2013 season, giving way to Nick Foles.
After Foles' 27 touchdown, two interception season with the Eagles in relief of Vick in 2013, Vick hit the free agent market, landing a backup job with the New York Jets in 2014, and later with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015.
The Eagles' signing of Vick was a highly controversial move at the time, but Vick became something of a fan favorite and an example of redemption after years of showing remorse for his crimes. Vick's best year with the Eagles was in 2010, with the highlight of the season being the Miracle at the Meadowlands III, when he spearheaded an amazing comeback against the New York Giants:
Vick thought he might get a call from the Minnesota Vikings after starter Teddy Bridgewater went down with a gruesome injury just before the start of the season, according to Chris Tomasson of TwinCities.com. Rather than sign Vick, however, the Vikings opted to trade a first round pick to the Eagles for Sam Bradford, thus signaling that retirement was the only option Vick had left.
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