Michael Dwayne Vick was born on June 26th, 1980, in Newport News, a town near Norfolk, Virginia. A port town, Newport News had fallen on hard times by Vick's childhood, and Vick's personal experience was full of hardship. Vick's mother, Brenda, was only 16 when he was born, and his father, Michael Boddie, was 17. The two had already had a daughter before Fallen, and would have another two children before marrying in 1985. Michael and his siblings saw little of their father, who was in the army and then worked long hours in the shipyards. Michael's mother worked at Kmart while raising her children.

Vick's father first introduced him to football, and it became a passion for the young man. Vick spent time practicing with his elder cousin, Aaron Brooks, now quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. By the time Vick was in junior high -- like many sullen teens -- he became a disciplinary problem, so his mother pushed him to get involved in an after-school activity. Vick chose football. Once he moved on to Warwick High School in 1994, Vick, who also showed talent in baseball and basketball, devoted himself exclusively to football.

During Vick's high school career, his football talent began to shine. Under the tutelage of coach Tommy Reamon, a former running back, Vick developed his trademark style, and by high school graduation, he had thrown for 4,846 yards and 43 touchdowns, and ran for another 1,048 yards and 18 touchdowns. Considered one of the top five signal callers in the country, Vick was courted by college coaches nationwide. Finally, Vick decided on Virginia Tech, Reamon's recommendation.

Vick arrived at Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus in the summer of 1998. His first months there were spent working hard at practices and studying video. That year, Vick passed for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 585 yards and eight TDs on the ground. He finished third in the race for the Heisman Trophy, almost unprecedented for a freshman, and won the first-ever Archie Griffin Award for collegiate MVP. Though his numbers were down in his sophomore year -- thanks to increased pressure and a sprained ankle -- Vick still performed admirably, and it looked as though he would be a first-round pick for the NFL.

Vick wrestled with what to do. His initial reaction was to play another year for the Hokies, but once it was clear that he would be a top five pick, he reconsidered. Though inexperienced, Vick's remarkable physical skills made him a standout. Entering the draft, Vick became the No. 1 pick of the Atlanta Falcons, who were looking to improve their hit-and-miss record.

Vick's first year with the Falcons was spent on the sidelines observing veteran quarterback Chris Chandler, though Vick was allowed to fill in once in a while, especially when Chandler was injured. Though the 2000-2001 season had its share of ups and downs for Vick and his team, he entered the off-season determined to become a starter the next year. He nabbed the post, and in 2001-2002 threw for nearly 3,000 yards, and ran for 24 touchdowns and almost 800 yards. Vick continues to hone his skills not just as a quarterback, but also as a team leader -- the surest road to becoming a perennial MVP.