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Friday, December 13, 2002
Vick officially leaves Va. Tech for NFL
Associated Press
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Michael Vick had trouble getting out
the words everybody was waiting to hear: The most exciting
quarterback in college football is turning pro.
|  | | Michael Vick is taking his game to the next level. |
"I've decided to leave Virginia Tech ... ," Vick said before
his words were drowned out by cheers and applause at a packed news
conference.
Considered a possible No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, the
quarterback who helped turn the Hokies into title contenders said
he wanted to take care of his family. The riches of the NFL will
certainly help him do that.
"This has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to
make in my life," said Vick, confirming a decision that had been
expected for the past week.
The news conference was held in a gymnasium at the Hampton Roads
Boys & Girls Club, not far from the tough neighborhood where Vick
grew up but miles from the football program he changed.
Those in attendance included Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer;
Tommy Reamon, Vick's coach at nearby Warwick High School; and
Vick's parents, Brenda and Michael Boddie.
Vick, a sophomore, arrived nearly an hour before the scheduled 3
p.m. news conference, driving a new luxury car. He was accompanied
by his younger brother, Marcus Vick, and Hokies defensive back
Ronyell Whitaker. Hokies defensive lineman Nathaniel Adibi also
attended the news conference.
Since arriving in Blacksburg three seasons ago, and spending the
last two as a starter, Vick has led the Hokies to consecutive 11-1
records, a berth in last year's national championship and a Gator
Bowl berth this season.
He's projected by many as the first pick overall in the draft, a
consideration that might have convinced him it's time to go.
"He's going to be one of the great ones in the NFL," former
NFL coach and current TV analyst Mike Ditka said this year. "If I
had any draft picks, I'd give them up for the next couple of years
to get him."
Even in defeat, Vick turned last year's Sugar Bowl into his
personal showcase with his fleet feet, strong arm and escape-artist
flair. He accounted for 322 total yards and left a wake of beaten,
frustrated defenders.
This season produced more highlights, but Vick also struggled
with his passing until a sprained ankle sidelined him for most of
three games.
A healthy Vick returned for the Gator Bowl, throwing for 205
yards and a touchdown, rushing for another touchdown and earning
team MVP honors as the Hokies beat Clemson 41-20 to finish No. 6 in
the final AP poll.
If Vick had returned next season, when the Hokies also get back
most of this year's starters and key players, Virginia Tech would
have again been among the favorites to contend for the national
title.
For a while last month, it looked as if Vick would be back.
He twice declared his intentions to return to the Hokies next
season, the last time during a news conference in Blacksburg on
Dec. 15. But then Vick learned he might be the No. 1 pick overall
and began hedging.
During interviews before the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, he said
the chance to be the first pick was a dream come true and hard to
pass up.
Last year, defensive end Courtney Brown of Penn State received a
six-year, $45 million contract as the first pick overall from
Cleveland. The deal also included a $10.9 million signing bonus.
Beamer and Tech offensive coordinator Rickey Bustle, among
others, said Vick needed more seasoning before subjecting himself
to the expectations of a top pick. Both tried to make staying more
appealing.
Last week, Beamer put Vick in touch with quarterbacks Donovan
McNabb of Philadelphia and Peyton Manning of Indianapolis, two
college stars who stayed four years, and with several NFL
executives. Beamer also presented Vick with an insurance policy,
reportedly for up to $10 million, hoping it would ease Vick's fears
about postponing his grab at the NFL's millions.
James "Poo" Johnson, a longtime family friend and staff member
at the Boys & Girls Club, said economics and Vick's belief that he
can continue to grow as a quarterback while earning an NFL salary
weighed heavily.
San Diego owns the first pick after finishing 1-15 this season,
but new general manager John Butler said when he was introduced
last Friday that he would not comment on Vick unless he declared
for the draft.
Friday is the deadline for underclassmen to declare their draft
intentions.
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Michael Vick announces that he's entering the NFL draft.