Michael Vick
{{Infobox Person
|name = Michael Vick
|birth_date = 1980-06-26
|birth_place = NCAA history. Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
Early life and career
Michael Dwayne Vick was born in Newport News, Virginia and played college football at Virginia Tech Hokies where he became one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in NCAA history. [1] He was drafted first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and set multiple rushing records for his position.
Federal offense and prosecution
In July 2007 a federal grand jury indicted Vick and others for operating an interstate dog-fighting enterprise known as Bad Newz Kennels, where more than 70 dogs were seized and evidence of extreme cruelty documented.[2] On December 10, 2007 a U.S. district judge sentenced Vick to 23 months in federal prison, citing his leadership role in the operation and false statements to investigators.[3]
Incarceration and prison experience
Vick served his term in federal prison at USP Leavenworth in Kansas and entered home confinement after approximately 18 months. [4]
Life after release
After his release in July 2009 he returned to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and ultimately retired in 2017. [5] In December 2024 he was in talks to become head coach of the Norfolk State Spartans football program. [6]
Notable associates and related cases
- Bad Newz Kennels – the organization at the centre of the dog-fighting ring.
- Atlanta Falcons – the team that drafted Vick and from which he later parted ways.
- Virginia Tech Hokies – the college program where he emerged as a top prospect.
References
- ↑ ESPN, "Apologetic Vick gets 23-month sentence on dogfighting charges," December 10, 2007, https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3148549.
- ↑ Animal Legal Defense Fund. “Case Study: Michael Vick – Animal Fighting.” December 15, 2010. https://aldf.org/case/case-study-animal-fighting-michael-vick/
- ↑ NFL.com. “Vick sentenced to 23 months in jail.” December 10, 2007. https://www.nfl.com/news/vick-sentenced-to-23-months-in-jail-09000d5d804ed94f
- ↑ ESPN. “The view from within.” August 26, 2011. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6898043/nfl-michael-vick-548-days-bars-espn-magazine
- ↑ Patriots.com. “Vick released from federal custody, but his NFL future still unknown.” July 21, 2009. https://www.patriots.com/news/vick-released-from-federal-custody-but-his-nfl-future-still-unknown-107256
- ↑ Reuters. “Michael Vick in talks to become head coach at Norfolk State.” December 16, 2024. https://www.reuters.com/sports/michael-vick-talks-become-head-coach-norfolk-state-2024-12-16/