Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick went from on top of the world to bottom of the barrel in the snap of a finger following his 2007 arrest for dog fighting. The money and endorsements were gone as Vick was shuttled off to prison for 23 months. Three years after his initial arrest, Vick's reclaimed his career, leading the Eagles to the NFC East title and winning the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts.
Michael Vick Signs First Endorsement Deal Since Prison Sentence
On Tuesday, in a sign that the commercial world is beginning to warm back up to Vick, Unequal Technologies signed the Eagles’ quarterback to an endorsement deal. The agreement calls upon Vick to be the spokesman for the company, whose football pads were worn by Vick during the 2010 season.
It’s not a high-dollar endorsement contract, but it’s a step in the right direction for Vick, whose turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable after it appeared he was destined to become untouchable following the dog fighting arrest.
The CEO of Unequal Technology addressed the reasoning behind choosing Vick as the company’s spokesman despite his checkered past.
“Michael is good people. He paid his dues. President Obama reached out to him. He deserves an opportunity. This is what makes America so great. He’s moved forward. He’s a whole other person.”
The crimes he committed were of unspeakably terrible, but given a second-chance, Vick has made the most of his opportunity. His story of redemption is the feel-good story America loves -- the kind of thing puff pieces that air on nightly news programs are made of. America loves a good comeback, and Vick’s provided us one in 2010.
An endorsement deal with a small company may seem like a minor thing, but it’s a sign of trust in Vick. Unreal Technology knows Vick has pull with the American people -- a fact that became clear as the NFL season progressed and Vick stole the headlines -- but also trusts he won’t mess it up.
Hopefully he stays on the right track and continues to move forward with his life, if for no other reason than to provide us with exciting, game-breaking plays every Sunday.
See More:
