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 at Norfolk State University. Known for his exceptional rushing ability, Vick was the first NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and held the record for all-time quarterback rushing yards upon retirement. He played college football at Virginia Tech, winning the Archie Griffin Award. Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to two playoff runs, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance during his six seasons with the Falcons.
2003: Fractured Fibula
In 2003, Michael Vick suffered a fractured right fibula during a preseason game.
2005: Joel Enterprises Sues Vick
In 2005, Joel Enterprises sued Michael Vick in Richmond Circuit Court for $45 million for breach of contract related to their marketing agreement.
December 2006: Trial Can Proceed
In December 2006, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the civil trial for a lawsuit by Joel Enterprises can proceed, after denying a Vick motion.
2006: $45 Million Lawsuit and Endorsement Deals Soured
In 2006, Michael Vick faced a $45 million lawsuit with his original sports agents, and several lucrative endorsement deals soured, impacting his financial situation.
April 25, 2007: Search Warrant Leads to Dog Fighting Evidence
On April 25, 2007, a search warrant executed on a property owned by Michael Vick in Surry County as part of a drug investigation of Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, uncovered evidence of unlawful dog fighting activities, including extensive facilities. This led to state and federal investigations.
July 2007: Vick Indicted on Federal Dog Fighting Charges
In July 2007, Michael Vick and three others were indicted on federal felony charges for operating an unlawful interstate dog fighting venture known as "Bad Newz Kennels." Vick was accused of financing, participating in dog fights and executions, and handling gambling activities.
July 2007: Financial Claims Escalate After Dog Fighting Indictments
In July 2007, following the dog fighting indictments, financial claims against Michael Vick escalated, straining his finances and leading to lawsuits from banks and creditors for defaulting on loans.
September 13, 2007: Vick Tests Positive for Marijuana
On September 13, 2007, Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test while free on bail awaiting sentencing, violating the conditions of his release. As a result, he was confined to his home with electronic monitoring.
September 25, 2007: Vick Faces Separate Virginia Charges
On September 25, 2007, following indictments by the Surry County grand jury, Michael Vick faced separate Virginia state charges related to the dog-fighting case. The principal evidence was sworn statements of the defendants during their plea agreement process before the federal court.
September 26, 2007: 1st Source Bank Sues Vick Over Vehicle Financing
On September 26, 2007, 1st Source Bank filed a federal lawsuit claiming at least $2 million in damages from Michael Vick and Divine Seven LLC for failing to pay for 130 vehicles acquired for use as rental cars.
October 2007: Wachovia Bank Files Suit Against Vick
In October 2007, Wachovia Bank filed a federal suit seeking about $940,000 from Michael Vick and Gerald Frank Jenkins for defaulting on a loan 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 as his financial affairs worsened following the dog fighting indictments.
2007: Career Uncertainty
In 2007, John Clayton of ESPN speculated on Michael Vick's future, suggesting few NFL general managers would risk signing him due to potential backlash and that he was banned from the CFL. However, Clayton believed Vick could excel in the Arena Football League.
2007: Dog Fighting Conviction
In 2007, Michael Vick's NFL career was halted after pleading guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring, leading to a prison sentence and public notoriety.
2007: Vick Hires Business Manager Wong
In the fall of 2007, Michael Vick hired Mary Wong, a business manager, on the recommendation of a teammate. She later misappropriated funds from his accounts.
April 2008: Vick Meets Talbot Through Brother
In April 2008, Michael Vick met David Talbot, who claimed expertise in financial management, through his brother Marcus. Vick later discovered Talbot's resume was false.
May 2008: Court Grants Summary Judgment to Wachovia
In May 2008, the U.S. District Court granted a summary judgment in favor of Wachovia Bank, ordering Michael Vick to pay $1.11 million, including the loan balance, interest, fees, and legal costs.
July 7, 2008: Vick Seeks Bankruptcy Protection
On July 7, 2008, Michael Vick sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after failing to resolve debts with creditors, listing assets of less than $50 million and debts between $10 million and $50 million.
August 2008: Trustee Appointed to Manage Vick's Bankruptcy
In August 2008, W. Clarkson McDow Jr. was appointed as trustee to manage Michael Vick's bankruptcy, noting Vick's limited ability to manage his finances and participate in the bankruptcy case.
October 14, 2008: Motion Filed for Vick to Plead via Video
On October 14, 2008, Michael Vick's attorney filed a motion to allow Vick to enter a plea via two-way electronic video in Surry County Courts, in an effort to get an early release from federal prison. The request for a trial without Vick physically present was ultimately 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 his six homes and outlined his monthly support payments.
November 2008: Vick Pleads Guilty to State Charge
In November 2008, Michael Vick was transported to Virginia and appeared before the Surry County Circuit Court. On November 25, he submitted a guilty plea to a single Virginia felony charge for dog fighting, receiving a suspended 3-year prison sentence and a fine.
March 25, 2009: Labor Department Sues Vick Over Retirement Funds
On March 25, 2009, the United States Department of Labor filed a lawsuit alleging that Michael Vick and others illegally withdrew $1.35 million from a retirement plan sponsored by MV7, one of Vick's companies.
April 2, 2009: Vick appears at bankruptcy hearing
On April 2, 2009, Vick appeared in person at a hearing in Newport News regarding his bankruptcy reorganization plan. He testified about intending to live a better life after prison, expressing remorse for his actions. The judge rejected his plan as unsound.
April 3, 2009: Vick-Falcons Settlement Agreement
On April 3, 2009, the bankruptcy court was advised of the settlement agreement between Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons, regarding the repayment of a portion of his signing bonus. They reduced the amount to between $6.5 and $7.5 million.
2010: Vick's Net Worth
By 2010, Michael Vick was estimated to be $18.97 million in debt, despite a financial plan in 2003 to have a net worth of $100 million by 2010.
