Michael Dwayne “Mike” Vick (born June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia) played college football at Virginia Tech. As a quarterback, he was remarkable for both his running and passing abilities. In 1999, he set the NCAA record for passing efficiency by a freshman and won several awards. He placed third in the Heisman Trophy balloting, then also a record for a freshman. He left Virginia Tech after his sophomore season to enter the NFL. Vick is currently suspended from NFL play until Week 6 of the 2009 season where he could be fully reinstated, though Commissioner Roger Goodell reserves the right to fully reinstate him by week 1 of the 2009 season.

Vick was drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft. In six seasons with the Falcons, he gained wide popularity for performance on the field, landing record-setting player contracts and lucrative commercial product endorsement deals. Vick led the Falcons to the playoffs twice, including the conference championship game in January 2005, and ranks third among quarterbacks all-time in career rushing yards.

Vick was identified in April 2007 as “the key figure” of an extensive unlawful interstate dogfighting ring operating over a period of five years, leading to massive negative publicity and separate federal and state felony charges and convictions under plea agreements, as well as payment of approximately $1 million for care and rehabilitation of some of the dogs. He has been suspended from play by the NFL since August 2007.

In December 2007, he was sentenced to serve a 23 month federal prison term; 3 years of prison time in Virginia on other charges was suspended upon condition of good behavior. With loss of his substantial NFL and product endorsement income, Vick filed for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy protection in July 2008, with liabilities of $20.5 million and assets of $16 million. His bankruptcy case has yet to be resolved.

Vick was released from prison on May 20, 2009. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will consider lifting his suspension, though Falcons owner Arthur Blank has said he does not want Vick to return to his team. Vick has reportedly exercised while in prison and anticipates a return to the NFL.

On June 12, 2009, Vick was released by the Falcons, after numerous attempts to trade him failed. On July 27, 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Vick.

On August 13, 2009, Vick signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He will earn $1.6 million in his first year and $5 million in his (team option) second year. Vick will be able to participate in all team practices and meetings, as well as the Eagles’ last two preseason games. He will then be eligible for reinstatement in week 6.

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