Michael Vick continues to silence skeptics and everyone who thought his vow to live an exemplary life that inspires young people was insincere. After being released from prison two years ago, Michael Vick has had very few hiccups in restoring his image.
As we’ve seen during the NFL offseason, the media is committed to dedicating airtime and ink to athletes that have a reputation for engaging in poor conduct off-the-field. Due to the media’s coverage, the perception is that far too many NFL athletes have run amok during the lockout. However, Michael Vick is one athlete that has distanced himself from the nonsense and is excluded from this generalization. Instead, he’s made headlines for rebuilding his marketing portfolio, maintaining a presence in the community, and his commitment to making the most of his second chance.
From being considered as the cover athlete for Madden 12, to delivering a commencement speech at a local Philadelphia high school, to working with Congress to install an anti-dog fighting bill, to re-signing with Nike, and as of yesterday, being named a spokesperson for Fuse Science, Vick’s had a very productive summer and is prospering.
Upon Vick’s release from prison, the public didn’t know how he would fare. Yet, he’s proven to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, fans, corporate sponsors, and even some haters, that he truly deserved a second chance. Seizing every opportunity to discard the scarlet letter that’s been branded on his chest, Vick’s regaining a strong following. While he’s still a polarizing figure who hasn’t convinced all of society that his efforts are genuine, Vick’s recent behavior makes it increasingly difficult for people who truly believe in forgiveness to chastise this brother forever.
In addition to letting his actions convey his true commitment to doing better, the MVP-like numbers he put up last season also don’t hurt his cause.
Which leads me to my next point, if Vick hadn’t beasted on the field, corporate sponsors would not be clamoring to align their products with him. The combination of Vick’s repaired image and performance on-the-field provide enough reason for corporate sponsors to justify their partnership. With the success and resilience he’s shown, brands have started to recognize and reward him for his rising stock. Once again, he’s influential and can move product off the shelf, or so they hope. Investing in a man only two years removed from prison is risky; however, Vick hasn’t given anyone a reason to believe that he’ll relapse anytime soon. Although, as I’m sure Vick would tell you, he’s a work in progress, human, and far from perfect, he’s also determined to make amends for his past and become a better man in the process.
Vick continues to script one of the greatest comeback stories ever told. His rehabbed image is proof that when you’re sincerely remorseful for past transgressions, redemption is within reach.
Vick is a great rebuilding success story and as long as he continues on this path he will continue to go down in history as a great quarterback despite his setbacks. Even though im not a crazy fan of the Eagles, i am a fan of Mike Vick. Feel bad for the shine he is taking away of the QB that he’s basically replacing on the Eagles team. I wonder what the team thinks of him?
As long as Mike VIck continues to win games, I don’t think you’ll hear many of his teammates object to him starting at QB. All is forgiven once you start winning.