Michael Vick Announces Retirement: Report

ATLANTA, GA -- Former Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick has announced his retirement, Patch has learned.

Vick made the announcement Friday in an interview with ESPN's Josina Anderson in Houston.

In 13 seasons Vick played for the Falcons, Eagles, Jets and Steelers, but it was in Atlanta where he made a name for himself.

Vick has had Atlanta on his mind lately. He recently visited the city two weeks ago when the Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. He told a TV show last month that he wanted to retire a Falcon, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

In a letter to the city, he said that his best years were when he was wearing a red and black jersey.

Read more: Vick says when Falcons drafted Ryan, 'My heart dropped'

The fleet-footed athlete was selected by the Falcons as the first pick in the 2001 draft, which included NFL stalwarts LaDanian Tomlinson, Deuce McAllister, Drew Brees and Chad Johnson.

In six electrifying seasons with the Falcons, Vick helped give Atlanta signature wins against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. Atlanta games became must-see TV and NFL promos generously featured the game-changing runs of the quarterback.

He also ran into the history books: He became the first and only quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards.

Vick leaves a complicated legacy. In 2007, he got into big trouble. He was indicted and later convicted for dog fighting and sent to prison, where he served 23 months. The Falcons washed their hands of him.

When he returned to the city as a Philadelphia Eagle, the bans booed him and he gave them the bird. But he has forgiven the city that gave him so much -- and likewise, the city has largely forgiven him.

The Falcons play the Patriots in the Super Bowl this weekend. You already know who Vick is pulling for.

With the help of Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, he is throwing an “official retirement party” at a Houston nightclub Saturday.

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