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Michael Vick was in Boulder this week to chat with Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. The two talked about a variety of different topics as the Buffs prep for a trip to Los Angeles, but the most interesting was their conversation about the QB position.
Coach Prime spoke with the Pro Bowl passer about his own days as a high school signal caller, while crediting Vick with making it popular to be a mobile QB.
Vick, who joked he could still suit up for the Jets, was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his era. In two seasons at Virginia Tech, he threw for more than 3,000 yards and ran for 1,200 more, taking the Hokies to a national title game as a freshman.
That was good enough to become the top pick of the 2001 NFL Draft. As a pro, Vick was a 4x Pro Bowler and the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year.
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A true dual threat, he boasted insane speed and a rocket arm. This coming at a time when players like Rich Gannon and Kurt Warner were winning league MVPs. Vick’s success on the field helped pave a path for the new generation of QBs, a style we’ve seen take over at both the college and NFL levels.
Deion Sanders credits Michael Vick with paving path for Shedeur.
Vick is currently leading a docuseries on the evolution of Black NFL QBs, having conversations with both current and former players like Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, and Doug Williams.
“I’m excited to be a part of this project because as a kid, I just wanted to have a shot at playing in the NFL,” Vick said in a statement.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the first African American quarterback drafted #1… I was always told that I revolutionized the quarterback position, but I also like to give credit to the ones who I idolized as a kid and who paved the way like Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair and Donovan McNabb. When you look at the evolution of the Black quarterback, it’s because of the people that came before us. And now, I’m thankful for the dual threat concept that has changed the game for the better.”
Coach Prime wants his son to watch that series when it wraps up so he can give credit to Vick, and those that came before him, for helping change the position.
“I can’t wait for him to see it,” Sanders said. “He doesn’t understand the trials, man.”
“That’s been the biggest thing,” Vick added. “Hearing Doug [Williams]’s story, Warren [Moon]’s story, it’s like, man, these dudes really paved the way.”
The duo then went on to talk a bit about Coach Prime’s days as a high school passer. Sanders noted that he came before this new era of signal callers, believing he wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to play QB at the college level.
“I knew they wouldn’t let me play QB in college. I played QB, man. I couldn’t throw like [Vick], but I could get it done. Me and my high school coach were so down… that I called my own plays in high school.”
That’s changed now, and we’re seeing it first-hand in Boulder. We might also have an idea of where Shedeur’s love for the position stems with Deion having lined up under center more than a time or two.
And like many in Atlanta after that ’01 Draft, Vick also likely played a role in shaping Shedeur’s outlook.
“So many people had love for you,” Sanders said to Vick. “Atlanta went crazy because that’s what they wanted. Somebody they could relate to, talk like they talk.”
Shedeur Sanders could be the next great dual threat passer at the NFL level. Mel Kiper already believes he has first-round potential, and he’s excelling in Year 1 with Colorado.
Though seven games, Sanders has thrown for 2,420 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding three more scores on the ground. We’ll see if he can help the Buffs knock off No. 23 UCLA on Saturday.