NFL: Top 10 players living on past reputation

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Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) throws a pass as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Montgomery (70) defends during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Vick, QB, New York Jets

Michael Vick used to be “sick” when he broke into the league with the Atlanta Falcons in 2001.

The fastest quarterback in NFL history didn’t take the reins of the Falcons offense until his second year in the league in 2002, but when he did, the league was on full alert of the big-time weapon that Atlanta had at the quarterback position.

Vick threw for 2936 yards in 15 games (all starts) in 2002 with 16 touchdowns and ran for 777 yards with eight touchdowns, leading the Falcons to the playoffs, upsetting Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay in the wild card game before losing to Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Championship.

And then came the off-the-field issues.

The question that will follow Michael Vick’s career will always be how good he could’ve fully became had he not gone to prison for his role in a dogfighting scandal after the 2006 season.

Vick returned in 2009, this time with the Philadelphia Eagles where he became a better passer due to slowing down a bit following his time off from the game. Vick returned to the NFL, recording a pair of 3,000-plus yard passing seasons in 2010 and 2011. He never played an entire 16-game season in Philadelphia and began to show his age on the field.

Although he’s openly accepted his role as Geno Smith’s backup in New York, there’s still no question that Jets fans are hoping to see Mike Vick be “sick” again just one more time at MetLife Stadium.

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