This Day in Football History
2001 - Michael Vick signs largest rookie contract in NFL history
After selecting Michael Vick with the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons signed the quarterback to the largest rookie contract in league history.
The former Virginia Tech signal-caller received a six-year, $62-million deal, with $15.3 million guaranteed over the first three years and a signing bonus of $3 million.
Atlanta acquired the first-overall selection from the San Diego Chargers in exchange for their first and third-round picks in 2001, a second-round pick in 2002, and wide receiver Tim Dwight.
At the time, it was reported that the Chargers were unable to agree to terms with Vick prior to the draft, prompting them to pull a last-minute trade.
"I still have to talk to my agent to find out what really went down, why the Chargers came to the decision," Vick said following the draft. "I didn't know Atlanta was making the trade. I didn't know anything that was going on other than the San Diego deal so it's very shocking to me and I'm eager to find out what happened."
Vick played six seasons for the Falcons, completing 53.8 percent of his passes for 11,505 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions.
Birthdays
1934 - Jesse Whittenton
1937 - Bob Jeter
1965 - Marc Logan
1968 - Vince Workman
1977 - Danny Clark
1985 - Jake Long
1990 - Corey White