Michael Vick comeback pays off handsomely
Michael Vick was in prison on a dogfighting conviction three years ago. Now, the Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly reached agreement on a contract that will pay Michael Vick $100 million over the next six years.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick talks with DeSean Jackson on the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game Thursday, Aug. 18, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Don Wright/AP
Michael Vick is about to become a well-paid NFL quarterback...again. Numerous reports have Vick agreeing to a $100 million, six-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles. A formal announcement is expected on Tuesday.
At one time in his past football life, Michael Vick was signed to a large contract. The former Atlanta Falcon quarterback threw it all away when he pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges in 2007.
After returning to the NFL in 2009 following his stint in a federal penitentiary, Vick appeared to turn his professional life around last year by leading Philadelphia to a NFC East division title and a playoff berth.
The contract extension is only a slight increase over the $16 million Vick's making this year. And Vick is already one of the best paid quarterbacks in the NFL, behind the Colts' QB Peyton Manning ($23 million), the Rams' QB Sam Bradford ($18.4 million), and the Patriots' QB Tom Brady ($18 million).
Monday, Eagles head coach Andy Reid voiced satisfaction with the new Vick deal.
"I'm very happy we were able to reach an agreement with Michael on this long-term contract," Reid said in a statement. "It's a product of all the hard work Michael has done to better himself over the last couple of years, both on and off the field."
Now, it remains to be seen whether Vick can lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth at the end of the upcoming season. Some prognosticators have proclaimed Philadelphia another 'Dream Team' after a number of splashy free agent signings this summer.