Michael Vick’s one-minute cameo on “Atlanta” stole the entire show

“It’s Michael Vick!”

The final words of the latest episode of Donald Glover’s Atlanta were probably the same thing that viewers were thinking when the credits rolled. Forget the rest of the episode: Michael Vick’s one-minute cameo was a genuine show-stealer.

Imagine being in the position of Earn, the lead character played by Glover, emerging from a local strip club only to find former Falcons quarterback challenging club-goers to footraces in the parking lot. (You’d totally have to try it, right?) See the clip for yourself below:

So, a predictable finish. It's only too bad that the race itself wasn't actually depicted on the show, because Vick smoking Childish Gambino in a sprint would be a great visual under any context. One does have to think that Community’s Troy Barnes, the former high school football star also played by Glover, would’ve had a better chance.

The dog-fighting scandal of 2007 has marred Vick’s image, despite having served his time and making amends as an animal-rights activist with the Humane Society, but it’s possible that Atlanta hoped to make a statement through controversy -- the episode in question, “Money Bag Shawty,” explored themes of institutional racism. Vick remains an immensely popular athlete in Atlanta, entering the league as an African-American quarterback enduring all of the challenges associated with that, and eventually transforming the position with his rushing approach.

Besides... it’s Michael Vick!