Challenges Faced by Michael Vick: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Michael Vick faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Michael Vick is a former NFL quarterback and current college football coach. He played college football at Virginia Tech, winning the Archie Griffin Award, before being drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. During his six seasons with the Falcons, Vick earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to two playoff appearances, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance. He was known for his exceptional rushing ability and at the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: Fractured Fibula and Return to Play

During a preseason game in 2003, Michael Vick suffered a fractured right fibula, causing him to miss the first 11 games of the regular season. He made his debut in week 13 and had a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers on December 7, amassing the third-highest rushing total by a quarterback in NFL history.

2004: Falcons seek to recover signing bonus

In 2004, an arbitrator ruled that Michael Vick had to reimburse the Atlanta Falcons for $19.97 million of his signing bonus. The arbitrator agreed with the Falcons' argument that Vick knew he was engaging in illegal activity when he signed his new contract in 2004, and that he had used the bonus money to pay for the dog fighting operation.

2005: Joel Enterprises Sues Vick

In 2005, Joel Enterprises sued Vick in Richmond Circuit Court for $45 million in compensatory and punitive damages for breach of contract.

2006: $45 Million Lawsuit Pending

In 2006, Michael Vick faced a $45 million lawsuit in a dispute with his original sports agents. Several lucrative endorsement deals soured.

April 25, 2007: Search warrant leads to dog fighting evidence

On April 25, 2007, a search warrant executed as part of a drug investigation of Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, led to the discovery of evidence of unlawful dog fighting activities at a property owned by Vick in Surry County, Virginia.

July 2007: Financial Claims Escalate Against Vick

After the dog fighting indictments were announced in July 2007, financial claims against Michael Vick escalated, straining his financial affairs and leading to an inability to meet scheduled payments.

July 2007: Vick Indicted on Federal Felony Charges

In July 2007, Michael Vick and three other men were indicted on federal felony charges for operating an unlawful interstate dog fighting venture known as "Bad Newz Kennels". Vick was accused of financing the operation, participating in dog fights and executions, and handling gambling activities. Federal prosecutors intended to proceed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

August 2007: NFL suspends Vick indefinitely

In August 2007, following Michael Vick's guilty plea to federal charges in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation, the NFL suspended him indefinitely without pay for violating its player conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell cited Vick's admission to illegal and cruel conduct, emphasizing his role in funding the gambling aspect of the dog fighting operation. While technically a first-time offender, Goodell handed down a harsher suspension. Vick was barred from training camp, and the terms of his bail effectively ended any chance of him playing in 2007.

September 13, 2007: Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana

On September 13, 2007, while free on bail, Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test, violating the conditions of his release. As a result, he was confined to his home in Hampton, Virginia, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. with electronic monitoring.

September 20, 2007: Royal Bank of Canada Files Lawsuit Against Vick

On September 20, 2007, the Royal Bank of Canada filed a civil lawsuit against Michael Vick for more than $2.3 million over a loan tied to real estate. The suit claimed Vick failed to meet a September 10 deadline to repay.

September 25, 2007: Vick Indicted on Virginia State Charges

On September 25, 2007, following indictments by the Surry County grand jury, separate Virginia charges were brought against Michael Vick and his co-defendants in the dog-fighting case. Vick was charged with two class-6 felonies.

September 26, 2007: 1st Source Bank Claims Damages in Lawsuit

On September 26, 2007, 1st Source Bank claimed damages of at least $2 million in a federal lawsuit, alleging Michael Vick and Divine Seven LLC refused to pay for at least 130 vehicles acquired to be used as rental cars.

October 2007: Wachovia Bank Files Federal Suit Against Vick

In October 2007, Wachovia Bank filed a federal suit seeking about $940,000 from Michael Vick and Gerald Frank Jenkins, claiming they defaulted on a May 2006 loan of $1.3 million to set up a wine shop and restaurant.

November 2007: Vick Attempts to Sell Home

In November 2007, Michael Vick attempted to sell one of his homes.

2007: Analysts discuss Vick's future

In 2007, ESPN's John Clayton speculated on the limited options for Michael Vick to resurrect his football career due to fan and media backlash, the CFL's ban on NFL-suspended players, and the difficulty of obtaining a Canadian work visa. Clayton suggested that the Arena Football League could be a viable option for Vick.

2007: Dog Fighting Scandal and Prison Sentence

In 2007, Michael Vick's NFL career was halted after he pleaded guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring and subsequently spent 21 months in federal prison. This arrest and conviction garnered him notoriety with the general public.

2007: Wong Hired as Business Manager

In the fall of 2007, Michael Vick hired Mary Wong as a business manager. Wong helped cash in some of Vick's investments, later wrongfully removing at least another $900,000 from his various accounts.

April 2008: Vick meets Talbot

In April 2008, Michael Vick met Talbot, who claimed to be a financial management expert, through his brother Marcus. Vick agreed to pay Talbot $15,000 per month and gave him an $85,000 Mercedes-Benz.

May 7, 2008: Court Grants Motion Against Vick

On May 7, 2008, the court granted a motion for summary judgment against Michael Vick for default and breach of a promissory note and ordered him to pay the bank more than $2.5 million.

May 2008: Court Grants Summary Judgment in Favor of Wachovia

In May 2008, the U.S. District Court in Atlanta granted a summary judgment in favor of Wachovia. The judgment of $1.11 million included the initial principal balance, interest accrued, fees, overdrawn accounts, and legal fees.

July 7, 2008: Vick Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

On July 7, 2008, Michael Vick sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News, listing assets of less than $50 million and debts of between $10 million and $50 million.

August 2008: Trustee Appointed to Manage Vick's Bankruptcy

In August 2008, trustee W. Clarkson McDow Jr. was appointed to manage Michael Vick's bankruptcy. McDow noted Vick had limited ability to arrange his finances and relied on others for financial decisions.

October 14, 2008: Vick Seeks to Resolve State Charges Early

On October 14, 2008, Michael Vick's attorney, Lawrence Woodward, filed a motion to enter a plea via two-way electronic video with the Surry County Courts. Vick planned to plead guilty to state charges to get early release from federal prison, but the request for a trial without Vick physically present was denied.

November 12, 2008: Vick files bankruptcy reorganization plan

On November 12, 2008, Vick's attorneys filed a first plan of reorganization through bankruptcy. The plan involved selling three of Vick's six homes to cover expenses, including significant monthly support payments to his mother, fiancée, daughters, and former girlfriend.

November 2008: Vick Appears in Surry County Court

In November 2008, Michael Vick was transported to Virginia to face state charges. On November 25, he appeared before the Surry County Circuit Court and submitted a guilty plea to a single Virginia felony charge for dog fighting, receiving a suspended 3-year prison sentence and a $2,500 fine.

March 25, 2009: Labor Department Files Lawsuit Against Vick

On March 25, 2009, the United States Department of Labor filed a lawsuit alleging Michael Vick and others violated federal employee benefits laws by withdrawing $1.35 million from a retirement plan sponsored by MV7.

April 2, 2009: Vick appears at bankruptcy hearing

On April 2, 2009, Michael Vick appeared in person before Judge Santoro at a hearing in Newport News. He testified about his remorse and intention to improve his life after prison. Judge Santoro rejected the initial bankruptcy reorganization plan due to its reliance on Vick's uncertain NFL return.

2010: Vick's Estimated Debt Reaches $18.97 Million

By 2010, Michael Vick was an estimated $18.97 million in debt, after a plan for Vick to have a net wealth of $100 million by 2010 failed.

2012: Vick leads Eagles with interceptions

In 2012, despite throwing four interceptions, Michael Vick led the Eagles to a 17–16 victory in week one against the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles won the following game against the Baltimore Ravens, but lost 27–6 in the third week of the season to the Arizona Cardinals.