Nike re-signs Vick to endorsement deal
Fri Jul 1, 12:45 PM ET
Michael Vick, who has done a remarkable job of repairing his image since being released from prison in 2009, has another big step in his comeback.
CNBC reported Friday that Nike, which had ended Vick's contract in 2007 after he admitted his involvement in a dogfighting ring, has re-signed the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback to an endorsement deal.
“Michael acknowledges his past mistakes,” Nike spokesman Derek Kent told CNBC. “We do not condone those actions, but we support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field.”
Vick's image has improved, in part, because of numerous public service appearances and speaking engagements regarding animal abuse outreach. His comeback accelerated dramatically during the 2010 season, when he became the Eagles' starter and re-established himself as one of the league's top stars.
In 12 games, Vick set career bests in completion percentage (62.6), touchdown passes (21), passing yards (3,018) and passer rating (100.2) while leading the Eagles to the NFC East championship. He threw only six interceptions and showed his old magic as a runner, putting up 676 yards and nine touchdowns, while earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
"Michael is excited to have a long-term and strong relationship with Nike,” Vick's agent, Joel Segal, told CNBC.
Nike had dropped Vick as a spokesperson in August 2007, canceling the release of his fifth signature shoe, the Air Zoom Vick V. At that time, the company released a statement saying that cruelty to animals was “inhumane, abhorrent and unacceptable.”
CNBC reported that this may be the first time in the history of sports marketing that an athlete has been dumped and then re-signed.
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