Michael Vick, the former NFL quarterback revered for his electrifying play on the field, is embarking on a new venture: a movie project about his life. In discussing the project, Vick mentioned his significant role in reshaping the quarterback position in the NFL. "I wouldn't play myself," he said, "but we're definitely working on a movie. I think it's warranted."
The Evolution of the Black Quarterback
Vick, who made history as the NFL's first 1,000-yard rusher at the quarterback position, remains deeply invested in the narrative of black quarterbacks in professional football. He is currently hosting the docuseries "Evolution of the Black Quarterback," which aired on a Wednesday and pays tribute to trailblazers like Doug Williams and Warren Moon. The series underscores the progress and challenges faced by black quarterbacks over the years.
Reflecting on his own journey, Vick recounted his 2005 "Sports Illustrated" cover story that declared, "I am a quarterback." He shared the internal conflict he faced: “I was fighting with people and the media [saying] the style is not sustainable, you can't win a Super Bowl that way. ... I was torn on whether I should just try to be a pure pocket passer or just be me.”
Legacy and Influence
Vick's influence is evident in today's NFL, where 15 black quarterbacks started as Week 1 starters in the 2024 season. Numerous modern quarterbacks—like Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts—can trace elements of their game back to Vick's groundbreaking style. “If I believed in that [talk], and didn't push to play quarterback at the age of 18, 19, I'd never be a part of the change. And maybe we never see Lamar or we never see Cam or we never see Patrick. Who knows? It's a what-if,” Vick reflected. “But God finds a way to make sure that everything is OK when it's all said and done.”
Discussing the broader impact of his career, Vick noted, “The game has already been reshaped through me, through Donovan [McNabb], through Randall [Cunningham], guys who might not get the credit.” His words highlight the collective effort of many black quarterbacks who have contributed to changing the way the position is viewed and played in the league.
Changing the Game
Vick's journey wasn't just about personal accolades—though he earned four Pro Bowl nods in his career—it was about breaking down barriers. “Now, it doesn't matter if you're black or white, as long as you have an understanding of the offense, if you can run and throw,” he said. “You look like me, you look like Jalen [Hurts], you look like Lamar [Jackson], you look like Patrick [Mahomes], you look like Josh Allen. Now it's equal. ... I fought to change the game. I didn't know I was changing the game. I was just playing my game. ... But look what we got out of it: We got Cam Newton. We got Lamar Jackson. We got Patrick. We got Jalen. We got guys who are giving their teams the opportunity to win the Super Bowl.”
As Vick moves forward with his movie project, possibly to be hosted by Amazon, his legacy continues to reverberate both on and off the field. It is a legacy that underscores the essential role he played in transforming not only the quarterback position but also the broader landscape of the NFL. With his influence still felt strongly and the stories of black quarterbacks gaining more prominence, Vick remains a pivotal figure in American football history.