At one point in 2004, it seemed as if the world was Michael Vick’s oyster. On All Hallows’ Eve of that very year, Vick completed 75% of his throws for 252 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, and rushed for 115 yards on just 12 attempts.
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He had just led the Atlanta Falcons to a 41-28 victory over the Denver Broncos, giving his team a 6-2 start to the regular season while also placing himself firmly in the midst of the MVP conversation. Just a few months later, he would go on to sign what was, at the time, the largest deal in NFL history.
Unfortunately, both his personal life and identity as a gridiron icon would come crashing down less than three years later when, on August 20th of 2007, Vick pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy to operate a dogfighting ring across state lines in a Virginia courthouse.
He’s faced routine criticism and adversity since that day, and while some would argue rightfully so, the man still had to eat at the end of the day. In his own words, the former regular season MVP runner-up “had to start from scratch.” When asked about what his mindset was like having come out of prison with “negative $1000 in (his) bank account,” the former signal caller couldn’t help but give gratitude for both his loved ones and second chances.
“Thank god I had the right people in my corner, who were pushing that, who wanted me to have a second chance or a second opportunity. They didn’t think I was an ill person, or a bad seed. They knew me personally. Sometimes you don’t get those opportunities .”
Vick was initially sentenced to a 23-month stay in federal prison. While he did manage to only serve 18 months of that sentence, his brush with American correctional institutions appears to have left a lasting impression.
Suffice to say, he had a newfound appreciation for freedom afterwards.
“What I learned being away was that as long as you don’t take my freedom away, I’ve got equal opportunity just like everybody else. I learned the value of freedom the hard way… Even to this day, I feel like I’ve still got to prove to myself, or my family, whatever is driving me or motivating me, that I can keep traveling and trying to reach new heights.”
As far as his return to the NFL is concerned, Vick credits that opportunity solely to “the holy spirit.” For all of the, albeit self-inflicted, adversity that Vick has faced throughout both his personal and professional life, the once all-time leader in QB career rushing yards now leads a successful and charitable life.
Since initially filing for bankruptcy in 2008, his personal net worth has rebounded to a current total of $4 million. Vick is also working in tandem with several charities, primarily through his self-started Vick Family Dream Fund.
His projects include everything from involvement with local youth football teams to covering the renovation costs of his local Boys and Girls Club and self-sponsored Michael Vick Teen Center, which aims to continue the spirit of providing others with a second chance.
