Jimmy Johnson, known for his legendary coaching career, shared some wisdom as Vick steps into his first coaching role. “Recruit. Great players make great coaches,” Johnson emphasized. “And to create the right kind of culture, you need everybody in that organization… how you do that is through interaction with everyone. No one likes to be ignored, especially not by the leader. And you’re the leader now.”

Andy Reid, who coached Vick during his redemption years with the Philadelphia Eagles, took a moment to reflect on their time together while expressing confidence in Vick’s future. “Michael Vick: The new head coach of Norfolk State. Man, is that school lucky to have you,” Reid said. “You’re gonna do a great job. Those kids are fortunate to have you—most of all, to learn from you. You’ll be awesome. All the best going forward, and I’m now a Norfolk fan.”

A new chapter for Michael Vick

Although Vick has no prior coaching experience at the high school or college level, his appointment as head coach is a natural progression for someone who has always been viewed as a leader on and off the field. With deep roots in Virginia, where he played high school football at Homer L. Ferguson High School and later starred at Virginia Tech, Vick’s return to his home state marks a full-circle moment in his storied career.

Michael Vick’s transition from NFL star to head coach at Norfolk State carries significant weight, particularly for young athletes looking up to him as a role model.

From NFL prodigy to inspirational mentor

Vick’s career began with groundbreaking performances at Virginia Tech, where he redefined the quarterback position. Selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Vick became one of the most electrifying players in football history. His four Pro Bowl selections and record-breaking rushing yards for a quarterback solidified his legacy.

However, his career was marred by legal troubles that led to a two-year suspension from professional football. Upon his return, Vick displayed remarkable resilience, earning a starting role with the Eagles and rebuilding his reputation as a player and person. These life experiences uniquely position him to guide Norfolk State’s players not only in football but also in character development and overcoming challenges.

Vick’s journey symbolizes redemption and perseverance, qualities he aims to instill in his players. As Norfolk State’s head coach, he has the chance to shape the next generation of athletes, emphasizing excellence both on and off the field.

In 2018, the Ravens welcomed a new quarterback to their roster. With the 32nd overall pick, the AFC North club acquired Lamar Jackson, though doubts surrounded the former Louisville standout.

Many scouts believed Jackson’s skills were better suited for a running back or wide receiver. However, he has steadily improved his passing abilities and is now an almost unstoppable dual threat on the field.

Lamar Jackson opens up on breaking Michael Vick’s rushing record

During the 2018 NFL Draft, the Ravens were rumored to be targeting a quarterback. Initially, the team used their 25th overall pick to select tight end Hayden Hurst, leading many to believe they’d wait until later rounds to address the quarterback position.

However, the Ravens shocked the league by trading with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 32nd overall pick on Day 1. With it, they drafted Lamar Jackson, a quarterback whose elite rushing skills were widely considered superior to his passing abilities.

The early years of Jackson’s career were challenging. Critics continued to focus on his rushing over his passing. But over time, Jackson has refined his throwing skills, transforming himself into a lethal dual-threat quarterback.

In Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season, Lamar Jackson etched his name into the record books. Against the Texans, Jackson reached 6,110 career rushing yards—one more than Michael Vick’s previous record—making him the all-time leading quarterback rusher.

“It feels unreal, to be honest with you,” Jackson said, via a transcript from the team. “I just give God all the glory. I’m grateful, man, because that’s a record that’s been held for a long time with Michael Vick, one of my favorite players. That’s just dope.”

How many games did it take Lamar Jackson to break the record?

Lamar Jackson’s 2024 numbers are nothing short of remarkable. He has completed 300 passes for 3,955 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. On the ground, he has racked up 851 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Jackson needed only 102 games to surpass Michael Vick’s 6,109 rushing yards—a mark Vick achieved in 143 games. With years ahead in his career, Jackson’s record is poised to grow even further.

In the 2001 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons decided to use their 1st overall pick to select a quarterback. Michael Vick was the best prospect in his class, and he surprised everybody with his extraordinary athleticism and dual-threat ability.

Vick’s college career began at Virginia Tech, where he was a standout player. He earned a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic college quarterbacks in the country.

Michael Vick gets brutally honest on his Hall of Fame chances

In the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick was selected as the first overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, becoming one of the league’s most prominent young talents. He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing his career in 2015.

Vick’s playing style, characterized by his incredible speed and elusiveness, revolutionized the quarterback position, making him a unique and polarizing figure in the NFL.

Despite personal controversies, including legal issues related to dogfighting, Vick made a comeback, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and several other teams, earning four Pro Bowl selections.

As previously mentioned, Vick retired after the 2015 season while playing for the Steelers. With potential induction into the Hall of Fame on the horizon, he has been candid about his prospects of donning the coveted gold jacket in the near future.

“Realistically I feel like I ain’t do enough,” Vick told The Boardroom: Out of Office podcast (55:43), per Bleacher Report. “I feel like I did my part for the history, for the sport and the revolutionizing of the position, and that’s enough.”

Does Michael Vick deserve a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame?

As Michael Vick himself has stated, he revolutionized the quarterback position. When he entered the league, he astonished everyone with his athleticism, evolving into a dual-threat quarterback capable of both passing and running effectively.

His numbers are really impressive. The former 1st overall pick finished his career with 169 total touchdowns, 22,464 passing yards, 6,109 rushing yards, the league’s record for more rushing yards by a quarterback, and the first QB in history with at least 1,000 yards rushing in a single season.

Still, some debate whether Belichick was just a byproduct of Tom Brady’s greatness, especially after watching him struggle to win since his legendary QB left Foxboro.

Whatever the case, former NFL superstar Michael Vick still doesn’t think Belichick should be considered the GOAT coach. Instead, he gives that distinction to Kansas City Chiefs‘ veteran Andy Reid.

Michael Vick Says Andy Reid Is The Greatest Coach Ever

“I was actually thinking this year like, after Andy won the Super Bowl, he only got two, but he went to like four or five NFC Championship Games [and] every year [the Chiefs were] in the AFC Championship Game,” Vick said on the It Needed To Be Said podcast.

“He might be the greatest coach of all time,” Vick added. “You don’t have to win championships to be considered. You know, I understand [Bill] Belichick and [Tom] Brady and that whole dynamic. But Coach [Reid] did it in Philly, and then he doing it in KC. I’m always shout out coach like I love that man to death, like for real literally I’d do anything for him.”

Reid has obviously done more than enough merits to at least be a part of the conversation. He might not have as much silverware as Belichick — for now — but when it comes to offensive masterminds, he might as well be second to none.

23 years ago, the New England Patriots made a franchise-altering decision. The AFC East team signed Bill Belichick as their head coach, and he has since proven himself to the squad by winning six Super Bowls.

Belichick holds the record for the most Vince Lombardi trophies as a head coach with six, followed by Chuck Noll (4), and Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs (3). However, an NFL living legend believes he is not the greatest of all-time and has a compelling reason to support this claim.

Michael Vick thinks Andy Reid is the best coach of all-time over Bill Belichick

Belichick’s success is undeniable. The 71-year-old is considered as one of the greatest coaches of all-time thanks to his six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, but not everyone thinks the same.

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick is among those who share this sentiment. He considers Andy Reid to be the best coach the league has ever seen, and there is a particular name behind this belief: Tom Brady.

“He [Andy Reid] might be the greatest coach of all time. You don’t have to win (as many) championships to be considered,” Vick said during an interview with Tyreek Hill on the “It Needed To Be Said” podcast. “You know, I understand Belichick and Brady and that whole dynamic. But coach [Reid] did it in Philly, and then he’s doing it in KC.”

Reid, who previously coached Michael Vick during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles, had also won a Super Bowl as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers in 1997. Presently, he continues to achieve remarkable success with the Chiefs, building one of the most formidable rosters in recent history.

As for Belichick, his career without Tom Brady has not been very successful. Over a decade without the legendary quarterback, the head coach has amassed a losing record of 79-88, statistics that support Vick’s claim.

Vick’s involvement in dog fights pretty much doomed one of the most promising careers in the history of this beautiful game. He even went to jail when he was still at his peak.

That’s why the former Falcon, New York Jet, Philadelphia Eagle, and Pittsburgh Steeler recently looked back on his life and career, and lamented the fact that he didn’t have a father figure to listen to at the time.

Michael Vick Reflects On His Career

“I wish I had a father figure or somebody in my life — and I did, too, for the most part — but not to the point where somebody was like, ‘Yo, man, you can really screw all this up,’” Vick said. “Ain’t nobody came and said, ‘Bro, you can screw all this up.’ One person [did], I won’t say his name.”

“The whole time like I was gone I thought they was gonna wait on me, but that was wishful thinking,” Vick said. “Like, I really thought like they was gonna wait for me to get back and all this would be over and then I step back in, be the starter, and we just move on like nothing ever happened. But that’s not reality. And I was hoping for something that just couldn’t happen.”

It’s a true shame that Vick’s career didn’t turn out as good as it could’ve. He was the first legit dual-threat quarterback, and one of the most impactful and talented athletes in the history of the game, but his life choices always stood in the way.

However, there has also been a handful of players who have been able to live up to the hype. In fact, some of them even wind up beingbetter than expected, defining an era in this beautiful sport.

Today, we’re going to talk about those, honoring the top 25 greatest first-overall picks in the history of the NFL Draft,and hoping some more players will join them on this list in the next couple of years.

Legendary Selections: The 25 Greatest No. 1 Picks in NFL Draft History

25. Bo Jackson (1986) – RB,Buccaneers

Some might argue that Bo Jackson doesn’t deserve a spot on this list because of his numbers, but there’s no way we could keep the ultimate two-sport athlete out. He could’ve been a much better football player if he didn’t split time with his MLB career, but he was still box office.

Jackson rushed for nearly 3,000 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns while averaging a whopping 5.4 yards per carry, and he made it to one Pro Bowl. Notably, he also had 141 home runs and 415 RBIs and was an All-Star in Major League Baseball.

24. Vinny Testaverde (1987)- QB, Buccaneers

Vinny Testaverde may not be the most prolific passer, but longevity can take you a long way in professional sports. He does own the record for most losses as a starting quarterback (123), but he also had more passing yards and better numbers than several HOF colleagues.

Testaverde also holds the record for the second-most player throwing a touchdown pass to (70) and most players completing a pass to (138). He led the AFC in passing touchdowns twice and made it to two Pro Bowls in his 21-year career.

23. Carson Palmer (2003) -QB, Bengals

Carson Palmer is the kind of player who doesn’t get enough recognition or credit just because he played at the same time as other legends of the game. But he was a solid passer and winning quarterback for the best part of his career.

Palmer led the league in completion percentage and passing touchdowns in 2005, and his longevity helped him reach Pro Bowl and All-Pro levels ten years after that. Overall, he was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, throwing for46,247 yards.

22. Michael Vick (2001) – QB, Falcons

Michael Vick was somewhat vanished and doomed to oblivion for his off-court issues. But make no mistake; he was a menace when he was healthy and playing, setting the standard for today’s dual-threat quarterback.

Vick was a sensation and a box-office player everybody wanted to watch. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2010, and still holds the record for the most yards per carry (7.0) and career rushing yards (6,109) by a quarterback.

21. George Rogers (1981) – RB, Saints

George Rogers didn’t have a long career in the National Football League, but he most definitely left his mark in history books. He was a machine right out of the gate, rushing for 1,674 yards as a rookie, the second-most all-time.

Throughout his brief career, Rogers rushed for over 1,000 yards four times in his career, two with the New Orleans Saintsand two with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). He won one Super Bowl, led the league in rushing yards once, one in rushing touchdowns, and was named to one All-Pro and three Pro Bowl teams.

20. Billy Sims (1980) – RB, Lions

Billy Sims had everything to be ranked way higher on this list. He was unstoppable when he first entered the league, being one of the most NFL-ready and prolific running backs the game had ever seen, but injuries cut his career short.

In just four seasons, he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, made it to 3 Pro Bows and 3 All-Pro teams, and was the league’s rushing touchdown co-leader. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in all but two seasons.

19. Jim Plunkett (1971) – QB, Patriots

Jim Plunkett might as well be considered the ultimate late-bloomer. He struggled vastly with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers before finally finding his groove in the final stage of his career with the Oakland Raiders.

Often deemed as the worst Super Bowl-winning QB, Plunkett managed to win the Vince Lombardi trophy twice, also taking home one Super Bowl MVP award. He was the league’s Comeback Player of the Year and holds the record for the longest touchdown pass (99 yards).

18. Steve Bartkowski (1975) – QB, Falcons

Another promising career that was derailed by injuries. Steve Bartkowski could’ve been quite special, but a knee injury prevented him from becoming the legendary gunslinger some thought he was poised to become.

Still, he did make it to two Pro Bowls and led the league in passing touchdowns once, once in passer rating, and once in completion percentage. Despite playing just 12 seasons (11 with the Atlanta Falcons and one with the Los Angeles Rams), he still made it to the Hall of Fame.

17. Bubba Smith (1967) – DL, Colts

Bubba Smith is one of the most prolific athletes in the history of the National Football League. His explosiveness made him a force to reckon with when he was healthy, but once again, that was the issue.

Smith had an incredible nine-year run with the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers. He was a Super Bowl champion, NFL Championand made it to three All-Pro teams and a couple of Pro Bowls.

16. Drew Bledsoe (1993) – QB, Patriots

While Tom Brady eventually eclipsed him, Drew Bledsoe was one of the best quarterbacks in the game in his prime. In fact, the New England Patriots had just signed him to a big deal when he got hurt and was eventually replaced by Brady.

Bledsoe was an elite passer in the 90s before injuries got the best of him, and he even threw for over 4,000 yards in that now-forgotten stint with the Bills. He’s a Super Bowl champion, a four-time Pro Bowler, and he led the league in passing yards in 1994.

15. Andrew Luck (2012) – QB, Colts

Andrew Luck was the most hyped QB prospect since Peyton Manningand for very good reasons. He was tough as nails, had a bazooka for an arm, and could make plays with his feet like few other QBs before him. He was the whole package.

But the Indianapolis Colts’ inability to protect him led to an early and sudden retirement. Luck made it to four Pro Bowls and was the league’s Comeback Player of the Year and passing touchdown leader once, throwing for23,671 in just seven years. He also holds the record for themost passing yards by a rookie quarterback (4,374).

14. Cam Newton (2011) – QB, Panthers

Cam Newton has a strong case for being considered the greatest college football quarterback of all time. And while his downfall wasn’t pretty, he was one of the meanest guys in the league when he was in his prime. The ultimate dual-threat guy, his athleticism, speed, and strength were unmatched.

Newton was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in the very same season. He was the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, made it to three Pro Bowls, and one first-team All-Pro. He holds the records for the most rushing TD by a quarterback in a season (14), most rushing attempts by a quarterback (1,118), and most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (75).

13. Eli Manning (2004) – QB, Chargers

Eli Manning entered the league with high hopes and expectations, and he even got to choose where he wanted to play. And while the eye test never made it look anywhere near as good as we thought he’d be, he still managed to have quite a remarkable career.

Manning is responsible for Tom Brady not having two more Super Bowl rings, which is a big-enough legacy itself. He’s perhaps the best QB in New York Giants history, winning two rings with two Super Bowl MVPs. He also made it to four Pro Bowlsand holds the record for the longest touchdown pass (tied, 99 yards)and most passing yards in a single season (1,219).

12. Ed Jones – (1974) – DE, Cowboys

Well, all you need to know about Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones is that he made sure to honor that nickname during his 15-year career in the NFL. He was a walking mismatch every time he lined upand a guy who wouldn’t find much trouble getting past blockers.

Jones spent his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, swatting passes and wreaking havoc in the offense like no other. He was a Super Bowl champion, first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowler next to Cowboys legend Randy White.

11. Matthew Stafford (2009) – QB, Lions

It took him a while, but Matthew Stafford finally got the praise and recognition he deserved. He was often stuck in a mediocre Detroit Lions team, and not even Calvin Johnson was enough to help him achieve playoff success before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams.

Stafford’s arm strength and accuracy helped the Rams win the Super Bowl for the first time in years, capping his case as a future Hall of Famer. He’s a one-time Pro Bowler and owns the records for most fourth-quarter comebacks in a season (8)and for being the first player to complete 60% or more passes in every game in a season.

10. Orlando Pace (1997) – OT, Rams

The Los Angeles Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf would’ve never existed if Orlando Pace wasn’t there to protect the quarterback. He was a blocking master and a guy who wasn’t going to be moved or fazed by the pressure, anchoring one of the most spectacular offenses this game has ever seen.

Pace was a Super Bowl champion, three-time first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro, and seven-time Pro Bowler. He’s highly regarded as one of the greatest blockers of all time, also being named the starting OT in Sports Illustrated’s NCAA Football All-Century Team.

9. Lee Roy Selmon (1976) – DL, Buccaneers

It didn’t take long before Lee Roy Selmon established himself as the best player in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has a strong case for being their greatest player in franchise history. He was an unstoppable headhunter before injuries forced him to retire early.

Selmon made a name for himself with the Oklahoma Sooners before becoming a perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL, making it six years in a row. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1979, making it to five All-Pro teams as well. Selmon retired with 742 tackles, 78.5 sacks, and 28.5 forced fumbles in just nine seasons.

8. Ron Yary (1968) – OT, Vikings

It’s hard to envision an offensive tackle so talented to be worthy of the first-overall pick, let alone the eighth spot in this list. So, just imagine how dominant and impactful Ron Yary was from the very first day he set foot on a gridiron.

Yary was a mainstay in a Vikings team that made it to four Super Bowls. He spent 14 years with the organization before retiring with the Rams. Throughout his career, he won one championship and made it to seven Pro Bowls and eight All-Pro teams.

7. Earl Campbell (1978) – RB, Oilers

Earl Campbell is considered by most as the greatest power running back in the history of the NFL, and rightfully so. He was a physical specimen and an athletic standout who always played with a chip on his shoulder.

Campbell was a dominant force of nature, a guy who could be as elusive as he could be simply ruthless. He won one MVP, was a three-time Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, led the league in rushing three times, two times in rushing touchdowns, and made it to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.

6. Troy Aikman (1989) – QB, Cowboys

Troy Aikman was the first pick of the Jerry Jones era, and he sure made the most of that opportunity. He was a bit of a late bloomer, and some might argue that he was never the best quarterback in the league. However, he was a bonafide playoff performer and winner.

Throughout his career, Aikman won three Super Bowls, was Super Bowl MVP, made it to six Pro Bowls, and was the league’s completion percentage leader in 1993. He was an incredible leader and perhaps the most accurate intermediate thrower in the history of the game.

5. OJ Simpson (1969) – RB, Bills

As controversial as he might be as a person, OJ Simpson should still get a top-five spot in this list as a player. He’s one of the greatest, most dominant running backs this game has ever seen, and it’s not even close.

He holds the recordfor the highest rushing yards per game average in a single season (1431.1 in 1973), and was the fastest player to reach 1,000 and 2,000 yards in a single season. He won one MVP, was named Offensive Player of the Year, led the league in rushing yards four times, two times in rushing touchdowns, was the scoring leader in 1975, and made it to five Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams.

4. Terry Bradshaw (1970) – QB, Steelers

Long before Tom Brady, there was another gunslinger going by TB. Terry Bradshaw was the offensive backbone of the Pittsburgh Steelers, helping them become the most dominant team in the league during the better part of his 14 season career.

Bradshaw led the Steelers to four Super Bowl wins in six years. He won 2 Super Bowl MVPs, one MVP, and made one first-team All-Pro, 3 Pro Bowls, and led the league in passing touchdowns twice. His numbers weren’t impressive, but he rose to the occasion in the playoffs every single year.

3. Bruce Smith (1985) – DE, Bills

Bruce Smith was the definition of toughness and durability. Not many players stay in the league for 19 seasons, let alone Defensive Ends. He’s considered the ultimate headhunter after retiring with an NFL record 200 career sacks.

Smith spent 15 years with the Bills organization, helping them reach four Super Bowls in a row. And even though he never won a ring, he was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 10-time All-Pro, and 11-time Pro Bowler, and led the league in forced fumbles twice. He also holds the record for most seasons with 1+ sacks (19) and most seasons with 10+ sacks (13).

2. John Elway (1983) – QB, Colts

The Denver Broncos would have more rings if John Elway was as good at evaluating QBs as he was at playing the position. He was an instant difference-maker in the league after an incredible stint at Stanford, forcing his way out of the Baltimore Colts, who took him first overall.

Elway sits fourthall-time in wins (148), which was a record by the time he retired. He won one MVP, two Super Bowls, one Super Bowl MVPand was named to three All-Pros and 9 Pro Bowls. He’s one of just two players to rush for a score in four different Super Bowls.

1. Peyton Manning (1998) – QB, Colts

Well, there’s not much we could say about first-ballot Hall of Famer Peyton Manning that hadn’t been said before. He’s perhaps the most talented pure quarterback of all timeand a standard-setter for those who came after him.

Manning dominated in the regular season like no other, winning five MVPs and being named Offensive Player of the Year twice. He’s also a 2-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, Comeback Player of the Year, got 10 All-Pro and 14 Pro Bowl selectionsand led the league in passer rating three times, three times in passing yards, four times in passing touchdowns, and twice in completion percentage.