Who was the first black quarterback selected first overall in the NFL Draft?
Michael Vick made history in the 2001 NFL draft when he became the first black quarterback to be selected as the first overall pick.
Coming out of the Virginia Tech Hokies football program, Vick was touted to be a big name in the NFL. He certainly delivered.
Vick was selected by the Atlanta Falcons, where he signed a six-year rookie contract worth $62 million. Atlanta traded up to number one, giving the San Diego Chargers their first- and third-round picks.
20 years ago today: #1 pick in the @NFL Draft. I worked so hard to have that moment and to prove to myself that it could be done. I enjoyed every second of it. #hardworkpaysoff #NFL https://t.co/0pV79ErwJS
Michael Vick's career highlights
Michael Vick played a total of 13 seasons in the NFL, appearing for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His incredible rushing abilities are widely credited for effectively transforming the quarterback role.
Vick is the all-time leader of NFL quarterbacks in rushing yards with 6,109. He was also the first quarterback in the league's history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Vick finished his career in the NFL with 22,464 passing yards and 133 touchdowns.
His football career came to a halt in 2007 after Vick pleaded guilty to involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring that operated outside his Virginia property. Vick spent a total of 21 months in federal prison before continuing his career in the NFL.
The quarterback ended his tumultuous NFL career as a three-time Pro Bowler.
Michael Vick retires from the #NFL
No.1 draft pick in 2001
22,464 passing yards
6,109 rushing yards
133 passing TDs
36 rushing TDs https://t.co/DxqF2GhmX9
Notable selections in the 2001 NFL draft
The 2001 NFL draft featured 246 total selections over seven rounds. The Buffalo Bills had the most picks with 12, while the Washington Redskins had the least, picking only five players. This NFL draft class produced three Hall of Famers and 35 Pro Bowlers.
While Vick was the first overall pick in the 2001 draft, a good number of notable players were also selected at the event. This includes Hall of Famers like running back LaDainian Tomlinson, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, and offensive guard Steve Hutchinson.
Pro Bowlers included quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, offensive guard Leonard Davis and defensive end Justin Smith. Wide receiver Santana Moss, defensive end Andre Carter, linebacker Dan Morgan, defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and running back Deuce McAllister were among a host of other Pro Bowlers.