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Mike Vick, the most famous and arguably greatest on-the-field player in the history of Virginia Tech has announced that the 2016-2017 season will be his last in the NFL.
The polarizing athlete finished the 2015-2016 season on the Pittsburgh Steelers inactive list. Vick was signed during the preseason after Bruce Gradkowski, the Pittsburgh backup QB, was placed on injury reserve. When Roethlisberger sprained his MCL against the Rams in week three Vick stepped up and led the team to their second victory of the season. Mike started the next three games, finishing 2-1, but was perceived to be struggling with the role. After a hamstring injury, Landry Jones stepped up, and ended up keeping the backup job over Vick. By season’s end Vick slipped to third on the quarterback depth chart where he was relegated to working with the scout team.
During his time with the Steelers Vick completed 40-66 (60.6%) for 371 yards. He threw two touchdowns and only a single interception and one fumble. Vick showed that there was some fuel left in his legs when he ran 20 times for 99 yards. He finished the year with a 31.8 QBR and a 79.8 passer rating. Although the Steelers managed a 2-1 record with Vick under center, the 15-year veteran seemed to have lost a step and mainly acted as a game manager. Antonio Brown voiced his concerns, and lamented Vick’s seeming inability to throw him the ball.
Vick is a free agent, and likely not in Pittsburgh's plans for the imminent season. The Pro Bowler has stated he would like to play this year, but that 2016 would be his last.
QB Michael Vick to me on playing future: "I’m willing to wait the entire year out, but it’s definitely going to be it for me (after that)."
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2016
The former Virginia Tech superstar has imparted that he will be staying fit and ready to consider offers to play in 2016, but that he does not want to rush into anything.
QB Michael Vick to me: "I still want to play one more year... I’m going to keep my options open and not rush into it."
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2016
The free agency period in the NFL is underway. It is unlikely that Vick will be signed without a significant injury situation forcing a team’s hand, which is what happened with the Pittsburgh Steelers last preseason.
Stay tuned to Gobbler Country as we continue to keep an eye on former Hokies in free agency.