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Virginia Tech NFL Update: Michael Vick Retires and Other Tidbits

By Justin Cates

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick during pregame before the Falcons game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick during pregame before the Falcons game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons held a special ceremony Monday to honor two of the franchise’s most successful players. Michael Vick and receiver Roddy White were honored with a special retirement ceremony that focused on relationships, second chances and redemption.

“Much of what our family foundation does since 1995 – and we’ve granted close to $40 million in grants since then – has to do with second chances and third chances,” team owner Arthur Blank said. “Michael, like everybody on the face of the earth … has made a mistake in his life, and it starts with the person who is speaking now.”

Vick was the No. 1 selection in the 2001 NFL Draft and among his many accolades, passed for 11,505 yards and 71 touchdowns. He also remains the only NFL quarterback to rush for 1,00 yards in a season. Todd McClure —Vick’s center during his six seasons with the Falcons— called Vick the, “king of Atlanta.”

Neither Vick nor White signed a one-day contract with the team.

“We do not need a contract in place to consider them a part of our family and honor their decision to retire as a Falcon,” Blank said.

Duane Brown Still Holding Out

Houston Texans left tackle Duane Brown didn’t attend the team’s voluntary workouts, and is expected to miss the team’s mandatory minicamp that opens today.

Brown is in search of a new contract even though his current deal is through 2018. He’s scheduled to earn a non-guaranteed $9.65 million in base salary this season and $9.75 million in the final year of a six-year, $53.4 million contract that includes $22.081 million guaranteed.

Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) and Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) in action during the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) and Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) in action during the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The former first round draft pick has missed just eight games over the past six seasons. He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl three times from 2012-2014 and has been a reliable player at a crucial position.

It’s unclear if a new deal is likely for the 31-year-old, but his value to the franchise is clear based on past performance.

Bucky Hodges is a “Mismatch” in Camp

According to Scout.com the role Bucky Hodges will play with the Minnesota Vikings is still unclear. One teammate did unsurprisingly call him a, “mismatch”.

He spoke with Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com and talked about camp and how it compares to the way Justin Fuente ran things during his first season in Blacksburg.

Hodges recently signed a 4-year contract worth $2,545,650 with a $145,650 signing bonus.

Sam Rogers Has Fun with the Media

This is from back in May, but it’s still worth a look. We find former Tech Swiss army knife Sam Rogers holding court with the media.

A question regarding a block against current teammate and former Boston College safety John Johnson got some funny responses.

Stick with us as we continue to bring you news on Hokies from around the NFL.

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