More NFL offseason: League minicamp dates | Latest news, notes
Based on at least one report, Michael Vick was underwhelming during the Jets' three-day minicamp, but whatever happens going forward doesn't change the fact that, early in his career, he helped transform the way the game is played -- at least to hear him tell it.
"I was the guy who started it all," Vick told ESPNNewYork.com. "I revolutionized the game. I changed the way it was played in the NFL."
Mobile quarterbacks are now in vogue thanks to the success of Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton and even a more traditional passer like Aaron Rodgers. And while Vick was certainly a special talent when he arrived in the league in 2001, he didn't actually "revolutionize" the position.
As Mike Freeman, our former colleague now with Bleacher Report, explained via Twitter Saturday morning:
I see Mike Vick's not much of a history buff.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) June 21, 2014
Mike Vick never heard of Fran Tarkenton?
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) June 21, 2014
Hell, Otto Graham was a running quarterback.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) June 21, 2014
And don't forget Roger Staubach and Randall Cunningham. Still, Vick is the NFL's all-time rushing leader among quarterbacks (5,857) and that's worth noting.
“The things I’ve done, I’ve pretty much surpassed myself and expectations — over 25,000 yards in total offense in the NFL, and I missed a lot of years and a lot of games,” he said. “That’s more the reason I have to keep it going.”
Now 34, Vick understands that this is Geno Smith's job to lose, though he admits being a backup isn't any easier at this stage of his career.
“It's still tough right now ... I won't lie,” Vick said last month. “Because deep down you always want to be a starter. Hopefully that opportunity will come again one day and I've just got to keep working for it.”
