Falcons Headed To Super Bowl... Thank Michael Vick!
In 2001 the Atlanta Falcons selected Virginia Tech QB Michael Vick with the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft which signified the changing of the guard as QB Chris Chandler's time with the Falcons was coming to an end. The signing was a historic one as well, Vick became the first African American QB selected with the top pick. Falcons' fans thirsty for the type of success the team reached during the 1998 season flocked to the Georgia Dome to see what the future of the franchise held and while Vick saw limited action in his first season the Dome was packed and the team saw a once half empty stadium filled to capacity for the next 5 seasons.
Thank Michael Vick!
With Vick at QB the Atlanta sports scene was the talk of the national media, in his first few season as a starter defenses seemingly had no answer for the kid from Newport News, Virginia and everyone wanted to be a part of the Mike Vick Experience. It's safe to say that the not since Deion Sanders, had there been a star to shine as bright as Vick. The #7 jerseys were flying off the shelves as quick as stores could stock them, for the first time in a long time people were excited about being a fan of the Atlanta Falcons.
Thank Michael Vick!
Following several successful seasons that included playoff wins in Green Bay and an NFC Championship appearance team owner Arthur Blank rewarded Vick with a nine-year $130 million contract in 2004, the largest NFL contract at the time, a contract that signaled the franchise's long-term comment to Vick; everyone was on board the Michael Vick Experience, everyone but Vick... Just a few years after signing that recording breaking contract Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection to a dog fighting operation that he financed. His conviction and ultimate prison sentence led head coach Bobby Petrino to abandon the franchise prior to the completion of the season in addition to sending the team into uncertainty. Falcons' fans had to stomach a dismal 4-12 season in addition to the terrible QB play of Byron Leftwich, Joey Harrington, & Chris Redman.
Thank Michael Vick!
Following the 2007 season the Falcons looking to rebuild brought in a new head coach longtime collegiate/NFL defensive coach Mike Smith and with the 3rd overall pick in the 2008 draft the Falcons selected Boston College QB Matt Ryan. In their first five seasons together Matty Ice and Smitty gave the Falcons' faithful the first back to back winning seasons in franchise history making the playoffs four out of the first five years, including an appearance in the 2012 NFC Championship game. Two years later Smith was shown the door and enter former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Under Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Matt Ryan has continued to thrive as the team's franchise QB ultimately leading them one win away from the franchise's first Super Bowl championship. So before you credit Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith, or Dan Quinn for the team's recent success there's one person that the franchise and fans can thank directly...
Thank Michael Vick!
