Michael Vick praises Jameis Winston

Once considered one of the NFL's biggest stars, New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick says he thinks Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston could be the league's next big one.

"I think he's the future of the NFL," Vick said of last year's Heisman Trophy winner, according to NJ.com.

"I've been around so long, I appreciate guys coming out of college. I look forward to watching him. I have high expectations for him."

Vick, 34, broke into the league as an athletic wonder with the Atlanta Falcons before being sent to federal prison for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring that cost him nearly two years of his life and three seasons in the NFL.

With that history, Vick can somewhat relate to the off-field concerns surrounding Winston.

"I think he, over time, has made some poor decisions," Vick said of Winston. "Have I been there to know exactly what happened? No.

"But I do know one thing: He may make some poor decisions, but he gets on that football field and he plays his ass off. Yeah, he can mature. He'll mature. I see him maturing as time goes on. Like, this year hasn't been as bad of a year as the first year was for Jameis. I think the kid will continue to improve."