Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick will appear in ESPN the Magazine's NEXT issue, which hits newstands today. The photo, by Jeffrey Salter of the Magazine, is part of the NEXT issue, which profiles who the Magazine believes will be the next big names in athletics.

The photo shoot took place in late November and the picture chosen was taken in the Hokies' locker room.

Other athletes profiled in the issue are Steve Francis of the Houston Rockets and Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves.Yao Ming, a 7-foot-6 basketball player from China was chosen as the NEXT Athlete of the Year. Vick, Francis and Jones were named the NEXT Best.

Profiled in the NEXT Ones section are Jared Lorenzen, the Kentucky Wildcats' QB, Troy Glaus of the Anaheim Angels, the L.A. Clippers, Donovan McNabb and Corey Simon of the Philadelphia Eagles.

This is the third time Vick has been featured in ESPN the Magazine. He was on the cover for the college football preview issue earlier this year.