Michael Vick and Alex Mack Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame - Falcons Legends Cement Their Legacy
Two of the most iconic Atlanta Falcons of the modern era just added another accolade to their already impressive résumés. On Tuesday, Michael Vick and Alex Mack were officially inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for two players whose college dominance paved the way for long, impactful NFL careers. Between them, they combined for 11 Pro Bowl selections and left an unmistakable mark on the game - both in Atlanta and beyond.
Michael Vick: A College Phenom Who Changed the Game
Before he electrified NFL defenses with his speed and arm strength, Michael Vick was rewriting the playbook at Virginia Tech. In just two seasons, Vick racked up over 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns through the air, while adding another 1,200 yards and 16 scores on the ground. He wasn’t just a dual-threat quarterback - he was a walking highlight reel.
Vick didn’t win the Heisman Trophy, but he was in the conversation both years he played, finishing in the top six each season. More importantly, he led the Hokies to a 21-2 record during his time there, culminating in a trip to the 1999 National Championship game. His performance in the 2001 Gator Bowl - a 41-20 win over Clemson - earned him MVP honors and capped off one of the most electrifying college careers of the era.
The Falcons saw enough to make a bold move: trading their 2001 first- and third-round picks to leap up and grab Vick with the No. 1 overall selection. It was a franchise-defining decision.
In Atlanta, Vick continued to blaze his own trail. Over six seasons with the Falcons, he earned three Pro Bowl nods and twice finished in the top four in MVP voting.
His 3,859 rushing yards remain the most by a quarterback in franchise history - and his 2004 season stands out as a high point. That year, Vick led Atlanta to an 11-5 regular season record and a dominant playoff win over the Rams, before falling to the Eagles in the NFC Championship.
Reflecting on his Hall of Fame nod, Vick called it “probably one of the biggest compliments I can obtain in my life right now.” Considering the journey - from college standout to NFL star, and now college football immortal - it’s hard to argue with that sentiment.
After his playing days, Vick transitioned into sports media and coaching. He served as an offensive coordinator in the now-defunct AAF and just wrapped up his first season as head coach at Norfolk State University.
Alex Mack: The Anchor in the Trenches
While Vick dazzled with speed and flair, Alex Mack built his legacy in the trenches - and did it with quiet dominance. A standout at the University of California, Mack started 39 straight games at center, showcasing the consistency and toughness that would define his pro career. His efforts earned him a first-round selection by the Cleveland Browns in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Mack spent seven seasons in Cleveland, earning two Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s most dependable centers. But it was his move to Atlanta in 2016 that took his career to another level.
The Falcons signed Mack to a five-year, $45 million deal, making him the highest-paid center in the league at the time. That investment paid off immediately.
Mack became the anchor of Atlanta’s offensive line, missing just two games over five seasons and earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. He was named second-team All-Pro twice and was a key cog in the Falcons’ high-powered offense that reached Super Bowl LI.
In 2016 and 2017, Mack posted back-to-back 91 grades from Pro Football Focus - elite territory for any lineman, let alone one playing at the heart of the line. His ability to read defenses, call protections, and hold the line against elite interior rushers made him invaluable.
On Tuesday in Las Vegas, Mack stood alongside Vick as both were honored for their college careers. But make no mistake - this was also a celebration of two NFL careers that helped shape the identity of the Falcons franchise during their respective eras.
A Legacy That Lives On
For Falcons fans, this Hall of Fame induction is more than just a ceremony. It’s a reminder of two players who brought star power, leadership, and elite performance to Atlanta.
Vick changed the way we think about the quarterback position. Mack redefined what it meant to be a cornerstone on the offensive line.
Now, their names are etched into college football history - right where they belong.