Michael Vick Signs Endorsement Contract With Nike

by Yuliya Talmazan | September 30, 2009 at 03:58 pm
1393 views | 6 Recommendations | 14 comments

Michael Vick, a professional football player who was received 18 months of jail for operating an illegal dog fighting ring in on his property in 2007, has been getting a whole slew of second chances after coming out of prison on July 20 of this year. First, Vick was re-instated in the NFL and signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13. Now, he is getting an endorsement deal with Nike, a world-famous manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel. Vick's sports contracts were annulled after his conviction, but it seems Vick is regaining advertisers' trust now. The terms of the deal are not being discussed, but it is known that Vick will have to wear Nike clothing as part of the new endorsement contract. 

"Mike has had a great relationship with Nike and is excited to be part of the Nike team again," Vick's personal agent, Joel Segal, told SBJ. Segal told the paper Nike and Vick had agreed not to discuss terms of the deal.
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caj1

I'm not surprised. The collectors on Michael Vick's debts are waiting for their payments. I don't know why Michael Vick and his advisors couldn't think of a more original way to re-introduce him back into the NFL. Why always the big corporate contract? Isn't there another way to do it, e.g., a small shoe company?

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KANUPE

As you stated, "The collectors on Michael Vick's debts are waiting for their payments."..So why in the hell would he sign with a 'small she company'???. That makes no sense at all. If he owes his debtors so much money, would type of money would he generate signing with ohh lets say L.A. Gear??. Mike Vick is back whether people like it or not. The deals, endorsements, and everything else he had will all come back( maybe not as big as they were), but nonetheless he is very marketable. Nike just stepped up their game, other will soon follow!

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caj1

Actually, if he signed with LA Gear, he'd make a lot money for that company. The point I was trying to make is that Michael Vick has every right to pursue new contracts now that he is back the NFL, but he could send a bigger message than just making money again, if he would pursue things differently...not just go for the same contracts as before.  Now, today, it looks like Nike is saying that it does not have a "contractual relationship" with him. Nike is supplying "product" but there is no contract.

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KANUPE

Trust me, he is making far more money with nike. LA Gears aren't that appealing in athletics..haha..no but seriously I see where you are coming from, but he is doing other things since being released from prison than seeking money. But lets be honest here, money is what is needed to get his life back in order. He needs to pay off tons of people.I'm sure that Nike press release will change dependent upon how support waivers. They are not dumb.  

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nicayla

Nike is way out of line on this one.

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KANUPE

Why is Nike out of line may I ask? Because they signed an athlete who served prison time for dog fighting? Or because they are going to make some money from exploiting another athlete? Don't get me wrong, Nike can exploit me all they want as long as I'm getting paid. Its a win-win situation. Vick is back in the lime light, and Nike is getting paid. At the end of the day, his reputation has been damaged and he has served his time. Its funny how people want to hold people outside of their life accountable for their actions (that's fine), but if a similar situation were to happen to them or a loved one....ohhhhh how the feelings and sentiments changeI SUPPORT MICHAEL VICK..HE WILL BE A FACTOR IN THE NFL SOON ENOUGH 

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ROGER HALL

I think the country has gone crazy.  A felon gets out of prison , gets contract to play football again and then gets contract to advertise Nike shoes,  Great example of  what a child should look up to and respect.  A animal killer and the shoes a killer wears.  Great Nike!!! My grandchildren or my family will not buy Nike anymore.  Good job.  Can't get a good guy like Michael Jordan an inspiration to all people.

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Don Johnson

There is no rule anywhere that says a felon cannot play in the nfl.   Or work at a grocery store, etc.  if there where, he wouldn't be there.  usually HR departments will not hire a felon, even if he (OR SHE) is the best person for the job.  This mentality is exactly why less qualified people are in the workplace more and more.  do you think this country was built by saints?  I've been arrested 5 times (no convictions) and I work on targeting for nuclear missiles launched from submarines.  everyone makes mistakes, it just so happens his was a felony.   Unfortunately dog fighting is a lot bigger in the south than most people think.  It just so happens Michael Vick got cought, and I am glad he did.  I personally know people in the military that have a felony and have a top secret clearance.  why is check kiting a felony and second degree assult a misdomeaner?  try looking at it for what it is and get over it.  and who a child looks up to is a direct reflection of his parents influence. 

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Don Johnson

this country was founded by felons.  did you hear MJ's speach at his hall of fame induction...ya a real inspiration

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KANUPE

Don JohnsonWhere is the correlation between felons, the origins of America and M.J. I am just not getting it. Everybody wants to make a big deal about the speech. If you paid attention to all the post speech interviews and stories- M.J. stayed in line with his character. Everybody said he did not step out of character by giving that speech the way he did. THAT IS JORDAN. He caught nobody off guard, and he spoke his mind. When you get inducted into the HOF you cca give your speech any which way you like.

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Don Johnson

No correlation between MJ and the above mentioned.  I agree he did not step out of his character, and he can say whatever he wants.  I was trying to speak to the post that talked about role models for kids.  The fact is that everyone has character flaws and I think that both of these men can be examples to kids of what to do, and what not to do.  I would not be proud of my son if he gave a speach like that, but I would still be proud of his hard work and accomplishments that got him there.  i certianly hope my boys are never dog fighters, or felons of any kind.  However, Vick can be an example of how being one of the best at what you do can help you through tough times, also an example of learning from mistakes.  Both of these are things everyone has to do at some point.  Of course, the best lesson is just don't break the law in the first place.

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Be Good

Kanupe I couldnt agree with you more. The man has served his time. He deserves to have a second chance at life first, and football second. He cant pay his debts working at a fast food joint or some construction joint. Vick and I grew up in the same communities. Hes about 8 years younger than myself, and hes like a younger brother to me. I TOO SUPPORT MICHAEL VICK! I can name plenty of people that yall anti-vick folks look up to that needed a second, third, and even a fourth chance. So save the crap cuz Vick is back. Hopefully he will continue to grow from his mistakes and be a good example of not only what you shouldnt do, but also how to turn it all around and make the best of life against all of your adversaries. Peace and love.

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mia williams

I dont undertsand why its ok for a rapper to get caught with more guns you can even count and, get only a year and day in prison. I dont agree with vick did in regurds with the dogs but, the man served his time . Why is ok for a nfl player to hit someone while they were drunk and high at the time and only get 30 days in jail. This system is all jacked up.If nike wants to try in give this man another chance people just need to stop hating he knows what he did was wrong and thats that.

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C. eliwishes Pimgenish

Yea, well all you fools can jump on the M.Vick train but you mark my word, this leopard has not "changed his spots". He will fly under the radar for a while and then it'll be back to his old ways. You mark my word, once a killer always a killer, man or beast. As far as if he wants to get an endorsement more power to him, but I and others like myself who weld the "purchasing power" will not buy the "swoosh" any longer and will chastise those who do! And I will tell two friends who tell two friends and so on. Lets see if Nike will do what's right once. If not, Boycott, see if they understand these words!

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