Smith was a high school star in Miami when Vick received a 23-month sentence for criminal conspiracy resulting from his involvement in a dogfighting ring. He served 21 months, then was given a second chance in Philadelphia and made the most of the opportunity.

He spent five years with the Eagles, but his career there ended on the bench. The Jets signed him in March on the day they released their former starter Mark Sanchez. Now 34, Vick walks the thin line between being a mentor and a competitor. His job with the Jets is twofold: to help Smith keep the starting job, but to be prepared to take it over if Smith falters.

For now, he said, he is focused on the former.

“I want him to excel,” Vick said of Smith. “I want him to go out and enjoy every minute of this. And I let him know before I say anything, ‘Geno, it’s hard; it ain’t easy.’

“I still want to start in this league one day. I still want to play. I want to play as long as I can. I love football. But as of right now, I’m going to enjoy this moment right here with G. I want to see G try to go out there and achieve some things we know he can achieve.”

When Vick was Smith’s age, 23, he was on top of the world. Vick had been a star in college before becoming the first black quarterback to be drafted first over all, in 2001.

Vick, though, blinded by the spotlight, was not doing a lot of listening.

“When you’re on top, the only place you can go is down,” Vick said. “Unfortunately, my downfall took place off the field. I still was able to get back to a point where I was proud of myself.”

Will Smith heed Vick’s cautionary tale? Will he listen? Vick heard the same words of wisdom and warning.