Michael Vick at Fox Sports media day. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Vick defends opinions about NFL players following criticisms

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/13/23

Retired quarterback and Fox analyst Michael Vick has responded to criticisms sent his way regarding his opinions about NFL players.

"Sometimes, the guys don’t understand this position. It makes them a little upset," Vick told Rob Tornoe of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I try to let them know it’s not coming from a bad place — it’s coming from guys who played at the highest level. So if we’re saying something about you, and we can’t criticize you from afar, who can?"

Vick served as a hero for multiple current starting quarterbacks who watched him make highlight-reel plays with his legs and arm and who also used his characters in video games "Madden."

However, Vick generated headlines last month when he controversially said that Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens should "put a brace on it" and play through what was said to be a Grade 2 PCL strain for Baltimore's playoff game at the Cincinnati Bengals. Ravens wide receiver Sammy Watkins suggested before the contest that Jackson wasn't playing because he was in the final months of his rookie contract, but Watkins later walked those comments back after the Ravens fell to the Bengals 24-17.

It's believed Jackson wants a fully guaranteed contract from either the Ravens or a different club similar to what the Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson last year. Interestingly, Tornoe pointed out that Watson reached out to Vick after Vick offered a take about Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes.

"If I say something about you on TV, it’s not to criticize, but to coach," Vick added.

Vick also mentioned that he learned a lot during his brief time working alongside Sean Payton. Payton stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints last winter and spent the 2022 season working as an analyst with Fox until he officially became head coach of the Denver Broncos earlier this month.

"He knows everything in and out, understands offense, and is an incredible football mind," Vick said of Payton.

More must-reads: