Michael Vick being a New York Jet seems like some kind of fever dream. It’s something that did happen but is mostly forgotten about, and once brought up it seems strange to think that it’s so far in the back of so many memories.
On March 21st, 2014, the New York Jets signed Michael Vick to a one-year / $5M contract, it is mainly remembered as the day New York released Mark Sanchez.
Vick chose to wear #8 as a tribute to Steve Young, but would later change it to #1, becoming the first Jet in franchise history to wear a ‘#1’ jersey.
His role was to be the second slot QB behind Geno Smith, but by season's end he would balance as the starter.
During Week 5 against the San Diego Chargers, Vick came in relief for the struggling Smith following halftime. He finished the game with 47 passing yards in a 31-0 shutout loss.
After seven consecutive losses, Jets HC Rex Ryan named Smith the starter for Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite a 21/28 passing effort and throwing a touchdown, New York would be blown-out, 24-10. The loss would mark a very depressing eighth straight.
Vick became the first quarterback to reach 6,000 rushing yards in the Jets’ Week 10 affair and eventual 20-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Michael Vick’s Jets’ tenure was short, only lasting that one season. He appeared in 10 total games, starting in three of them and recorded a 52.9cmp% for 3 touchdowns. 153 rushing yards off of 26 attempts would give him one of the lowest running campaigns of his career and marked his first season without a rushing touchdown.