Nike re-signs Vick
The Michael Vick comeback story has come full circle.
Nike re-signs Vick
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Michael Vick comeback story has come full circle.
Nearly four years after he was dumped by Nike the Eagles quarterback was re-signed by the athletic gear company, according to CNBC.
"Michael acknowledges his past mistakes," said Nike spokesman Derek Kent, per the report. "We do not condone those actions, but we support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field."
Vick's agent, Joel Segal, confirmed the signing to CNBC. Vick did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment, but he did release a statement.
"I am thrilled to be on the Nike roster," Vick said in the statement. "The brand represents the most exciting athletes in sports. My focus is now on preparing for the football season and performing at the highest level for my team and my fans."
Nike dropped Vick in August 2007 just months after he was charged with operating and participating in a dogfighting ring. Nike, at the time, called his acts "inhumane, abhorrent and unacceptable."
When he returned to the NFL after serving an 18-month term in a federal prison, Vick received free products from Nike but was not under contract with the company.
Vick's return to product endorsing has been a slow one, but after a stellar 2010 season -- in which he was named the league's Comeback Player of the Year -- he signed with a few small companies. Unequal Technologies, which makes Vick's protective gear, inked him to a t wo-year deal in January. And two months later Core Synergy, the maker of titanium wristbands, also signed Vick to a deal.
Vick originally signed with Nike before his rookie season in 2001. His shoes were some of the company's biggest sellers. However, as his involvement with a Virginia Beach dogfighting operation became known, Nike and all of Vick's other endorsements eventually dropped the quarterback.
His return to Nike essentially cements his return to prominence. Vick also has an autobiography slated to be released later this month and a documentary on his life in the works.
Nike is also expecting big things this year from Vick (assuming they play)— shawnmac- I love
keep up the good work
and keep getting that money
— sizaleo - I love it....and cannot wait for the haters to throw away all thier Nike products, boycott the company and in reality not mean a thing to the company as they are losers with no life......— nuggett
- Orphans and prisoners stitching those kicks together rejoice!— johnnydomino
- Vick is needed to replace Tiger Dollars!— mmmike22
- Congragulations to Michael Vick— charmaine
- Congratulations Mike keep up the good work!!!!— Phillyaviator37
Good for Vick, love that he is in our city and that finally people are realizing he has made ammends
- Congrats Mike Vick,nice job Nike— SonnySpoon
Comment removed.- Good work Mike and Nike. Just don't fail us on the field.— king_of_lincolnfield
- Congrats to Nike for associating their product with a dog killer. I would rather wear British Knights now.— Captain Terrific
- Considering the ridiculous athlete that he is, who better to represent Nike? Let's go get that SB baby!!— gho_matt
- Comment removed.
- Damn I will have to find a new sneaker to wear. Michaeil Vick is a punk.— petey509
