Michael Vick Plays A Big Role In The New Brett Favre Documentary. The Director Explained To Us Why

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Untold: The Fall of Favre is the newest installment in the sports-oriented documentary series (accessible with a Netflix subscription). Directed by Rebecca Gitlitz, this documentary delves into the illustrious NFL career of Brett Favre and the scandals he’s been embroiled in. In the course of production, Gitlitz interviewed numerous individuals, including Brett Favre’s accuser Jenn Sterger. Additionally, she spoke to former quarterback Michael Vick, and Gitlitz shares with TopMob the reasons behind his inclusion in the film.

In the early 2000s, Michael Vick, hailing from Virginia, gained recognition as one of the NFL’s most gifted quarterbacks, primarily with the Atlanta Falcons. He made three Pro Bowl appearances during his tenure with the team and earned widespread fame. Similar to Brett Favre, Vick stood out in a league of his own until legal troubles arose in 2007. In my conversation with Rebecca Gitlitz regarding her book The Fall of Favre, she clarified that Vick’s notoriety was about more than just being well-known.

I believe for a long time, the Brett Favre story has been told from a single viewpoint or angle. I aimed to challenge this perspective by subtly highlighting overlooked aspects, such as double standards and privilege some individuals encounter. To achieve this, I wanted to present diverse voices, and Michael Vick’s story stirs emotions in many people. Thus, I chose to delve into these nuanced elements, which is why our narrative features a unique collection of perspectives.

The College Football Hall of Famer featured in this 2025 TV schedule was largely chosen by the director for his ability to offer a distinct viewpoint and add depth to the topic. In the documentary, the ex-Philadelphia Eagle certainly offers insightful comments about what it’s like to be a prominent football player and how the public perceives such athletes.

Michael Vick’s professional journey took a drastic turn when he admitted guilt for his involvement with an illegal dog-fighting operation known as Bad Newz Kennels. This led to 21 months of incarceration in a federal prison, and the Falcons released him in June 2009 prior to his release. Despite playing several more seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and signing with other teams before his retirement, it can be debated that Vick’s career never fully recovered from this incident. In our conversation, Rebecca Gitlitz contemplated Vick’s circumstances alongside those of Brett Favre:

I was curious, and I don’t mean to make a direct comparison between Brett Favre’s and Michael Vick’s stories, but it seemed like Michael Vick’s story was extremely prevalent across the nation, didn’t it? It reached every nook and cranny of this country. Even people who know nothing about sports were saying things like, “Oh, Michael Vick and the dogs.” Now, in relation to this story, I wasn’t initially aware of that reference. However, what intrigued me was how Michael Vick, as a renowned quarterback, could provide unique insights into stardom, privilege, and fall from grace better than anyone else. Hence, Michael Vick was someone I was particularly interested in, and I was genuinely grateful when he agreed to be part of this project.

Later on, Rebecca Gitlitz stated that Vick has taken full responsibility for his previous wrongdoings and feels at ease with this. Today, his life has significantly changed, although he continues to be involved in sports, as he serves as the head coach for Norfolk State’s football team. Even so, people continue to acknowledge Vick’s achievements on the field, with Jamie Foxx being one of them, who celebrated him during Black History Month this year. Moreover, Vick is a sports figure who has been the main focus of his own documentary, as he was the subject of ESPN’s two-part documentary series titled “30 for 30: VICK“.

In the documentary “The Fall of Favre,” it’s not just the ex-Pittsburgh Steeler who is prominently featured; Jenn Sterger is another significant interviewee. Sterger’s allegations about Brett Favre sending her inappropriate messages and voicemails are a central focus of the show. Rebecca Gitlitz, who spoke with me, discussed her role in encouraging Sterger to share her story, stating that she carefully listened to Sterger to ensure her story was handled sensitively.

Since its launch in 2021, Untold has delved into a wide array of subjects, such as Manti Te’o’s catfishing scandal and the BALCO steroid scandal. The Fall of Favre offers another captivating perspective on a widely debated sports story. I believe that Michael Vick’s involvement significantly heightens the interest in this newest documentary. You can catch his insights, along with others, by tuning into the show currently streaming on Netflix.

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2025-05-25 22:07