Michael Vick officially announces retirement from NFL

Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Michael Vick Experience has come to a close.

According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Michael Vick, one of the most polarizing figures in NFL history, announced that he has officially retired from the NFL.

"“In this moment right now, I’m willing to say yeah, I’m officially retired,” Vick told Anderson. “I think it’s time. I think going through the 2016 season without playing and being able to be a spectator and watch the game and enjoy it from afar and root for a lot of the players and coaches I once played for, I think kind of summed it all up for me."

Originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick quickly became one of the most electrifying athletes in all of sports. Vick spent six seasons in Atlanta and was named to three Pro Bowls as a Falcon, but a dog fighting bust forced him to spend nearly two years in prison.

Just before his release from prison, Vick was released by the Falcons. However, he would eventually get a second chance in the NFL playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he resurrected his career.

In his first season with the Eagles, Vick sat behind starting quarterback Donovan McNabb and was sparingly used in Wildcat formations. But after trading McNabb to the Washington Redskins in 2010, it was only a matter of time before Vick stole the NFL spotlight once again.

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Vick went on to have the greatest season of his career in 2010, throwing for 3,018 yards, 21 touchdowns and just six interceptions while also rushing for 676 yards and nine more scores.

Vick would end up spending five seasons with the Eagles from 2009 to 2013, recording a total of 9,984 passing yards, 57 touchdowns, 33 interceptions, 1,998 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Vick told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he ultimately made his decision to retire after the Minnesota Vikings didn’t reach out to him following the injury to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in August.

He also said the Vikings made a mistake by not pairing him with future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson.

What a guy.