Happy 50th Birthday Earth Day!

On This Day in Sports History

A happy Falcons fan.

Twenty years ago today, the Atlanta Falcons selected Michael Vick as the first overall pick of the 2001 NFL draft.

Vick became a fan favorite in Atlanta and his No. 7 jersey was seen all over the city, including at our house. 

Christmas gifts that year included a helmet and jersey.

An exciting player to watch, Michael Vick became Tate’s first football hero. Two years later, Tate even asked his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Podojil, if she would call him “Vick.” As only a seasoned teacher would know to  do, she told him it that would require that she let everyone in the class use a second name which would be too difficult, however she’d be glad to call him him Vick for one full day.  She even let him write his name, Vick, on his papers. He was elated and, no doubt, why he's still a Falcons fan today. 

Tate, fourth from the left, in a kindergarten group shot. 

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