When Michael Vick made his way onto the NFL scene, his durability, athleticism and elusiveness against pass rushers set him apart among quarterbacks. Over his 15-year career he managed 6,109 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns and 133 total touchdowns.
Vick, 36, is now taking the blame for setting the bar too high.
"Yeah, I did," Vick told the Dan Patrick Show (around the 9:20 mark) when asked if he felt bad for embarrassing defenders on his highlight reel. "Some guys tore their ACLs, sprained ankles. It wasn't the prettiest situation. There were times in game when I felt I was dominating, and I was dominating too much.
"And, you know, you got to tell yourself, look, you gotta keep going because they're out to get you," he said. "But there were so many games I played in where I had so much fun, even up until last year playing in Pittsburgh, I was still padding the rushing stats, padding my stats, and still putting wins in the win column."
With that same confidence, Vick said that he could still beat Cam Newton in the 40-yard dash -- at age 36, no less. In 2001, Vick ran a 4.33 at his pro day while Newton ran a 4.59 at his pro day in 2011.
"No, Cam can't beat me in the 40," Vick told the Charlotte Observer. "But his speed is decent."
Vick is currently hopeful about playing another NFL season as training camps get underway this week.
"I'm going to continue to stay optimistic about my 2016 season and try to enjoy it," he said last week. "I wouldn't say that I would go to any of the 32 teams. At this point in my career I would love to play for a contender. If anything, you've just got to be willing to make a contribution. In the NFL, that's what it's all about."
However if the invitation to return is not given, Vick will accept that as well.
"I've got my health, I've got my kids, I've got my family," he said to DailyPress.com in April. "The game has done so much for me in term of relationships, opportunities to take care of myself and my family. I'm just thankful. I give all the credit to God."
Check out the entire Dan Patrick interview here.