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, notable for his exceptional rushing ability. He played college football at Virginia Tech, where he won the Archie Griffin Award. Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including an NFC Championship Game. He was the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards upon retirement. He currently serves as the head football coach for the Norfolk State Spartans.

Sections (6)

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

2003: Fractured Fibula

During the 2003 preseason, Michael Vick suffered a fractured right fibula and missed the first 11 games of the regular season.

2005: Joel Enterprises sues Vick for breach of contract

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

December 2006: Civil trial to proceed after Virginia Supreme Court ruling

In December 2006, after the Virginia Supreme Court denied a Vick motion and ruled that the civil trial could proceed, the parties agreed to submit the dispute to binding arbitration.

2006: $45 million lawsuit pending in dispute with sports agents

In 2006, Michael Vick had a $45 million lawsuit pending in a dispute with his original sports agents, and several lucrative endorsement deals soured.

2006: Middle finger gesture to Atlanta football fans

In 2006, Michael Vick made a middle finger gesture to Atlanta football fans, negatively impacting his corporate status.

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 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 against Vick escalate

After the dog fighting indictments were announced in July 2007, financial claims against Michael Vick escalated.

July 2007: Indictment 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".

August 2007: NFL suspends Vick indefinitely

In August 2007, after Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation, the NFL suspended him indefinitely without pay for violating its player conduct policy. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell cited Vick's admission to illegal and cruel conduct. Goodell left open the possibility of reinstatement depending on Vick's cooperation. Vick was barred from reporting to training camp, and bail terms prevented him from playing in 2007.

September 13, 2007: Vick tests positive for marijuana

On September 13, 2007, Michael Vick tested positive for marijuana in a random drug test, violating the conditions of his release while awaiting sentencing in federal court.

September 20, 2007: Royal Bank of Canada files civil lawsuit against Vick

On September 20, 2007, the Royal Bank of Canada filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Newport News against Michael Vick for more than $2.3 million over a loan tied to real estate.

September 25, 2007: Virginia charges brought against defendants

On September 25, 2007, separate Virginia charges were brought against all four defendants in the dog-fighting case, following indictments by the Surry County grand jury.

September 26, 2007: 1st Source Bank claims damages in federal lawsuit

On September 26, 2007, 1st Source Bank claimed damages of at least $2 million in a federal lawsuit, alleging that 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 and Jenkins

In October 2007, Wachovia Bank filed a federal suit in Atlanta seeking about $940,000 from Michael Vick and Gerald Frank Jenkins, a business partner, for defaulting on a loan.

November 2007: Vick attempts to sell another home

In November 2007, Michael Vick attempted to sell another of his homes due to financial strain.

2007: Incidents during NFL Career

Between his selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL draft and early 2007, Vick was allegedly involved in several incidents.

2007: Involvement in dog fighting ring

In 2007, Michael Vick's NFL career was interrupted after he pleaded guilty for his involvement in a dog fighting ring, leading to a 21-month federal prison sentence. He faced public notoriety and was released by the Falcons.

2007: Speculation about Vick's future career

In 2007, amid his suspension and incarceration, there was much conjecture about Vick's return to professional football. ESPN's John Clayton suggested few general managers would take a chance on Vick due to potential backlash. He also said that the CFL banned players currently suspended by the NFL, and that it would be nearly impossible for a convicted felon to get a Canadian work visa. Clayton thought that Vick would be "unstoppable" if he decided to play in the Arena Football League in 2007.

2007: Animal cruelty case surfaced

In 2007, even before the animal cruelty case surfaced, Michael Vick's corporate status had deteriorated.

2007: Vick hires Wong, business manager, on recommendation of teammate

In the fall of 2007, Michael Vick hired Mary Wong, a business manager, on the recommendation of Falcons teammate Demorrio Williams, but she wrongfully removed at least another $900,000 from his various accounts.

May 7, 2008: Court grants summary judgment against Vick in favor of Royal Bank of Canada

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 Royal Bank of Canada 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 Bank for $1.11 million against Vick and Jenkins.

July 7, 2008: Vick seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

On July 7, 2008, Michael Vick sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News.

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, noting Vick's limited ability to manage his finances.

October 14, 2008: Motion to enter plea via video denied

On October 14, 2008, Vick's attorney filed a motion to enter a plea via two-way electronic video with the Surry County Courts, but the request for a trial without Vick physically present was denied.

November 12, 2008: Vick's attorneys file first bankruptcy reorganization plan

On November 12, 2008, Vick's attorneys filed the initial bankruptcy reorganization plan, which included selling three of Vick's six homes. Vick's expenses included significant monthly support payments to his mother, fiancée, daughters, and former girlfriend.

November 2008: Vick appears in Surry County Court and pleads guilty

In November 2008, Michael Vick appeared before the Surry County Circuit Court and submitted a guilty plea to a single Virginia felony charge for dog fighting, receiving a 3-year prison sentence suspended on condition of good behavior, and a $2,500 fine.

March 25, 2009: Lawsuit filed alleging violation of employee benefits laws

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

April 2, 2009: Vick appears at hearing, reorganization plan rejected

On April 2, 2009, Michael Vick appeared in person before Judge Santoro. Vick testified about intending to live a better life and expressed remorse for his crime. Santoro rejected the reorganization plan, deeming it unsound due to its reliance on Vick's uncertain return to the NFL.

April 3, 2009: Bankruptcy court advised of Vick-Falcons settlement agreement

On April 3, 2009, the bankruptcy court was advised of a Michael Vick-Atlanta Falcons settlement agreement regarding a reduced amount of the signing bonus.

2010: Vick's net wealth is an estimated $18.97 million in debt

By 2010, Michael Vick's net wealth was actually an estimated $18.97 million in debt.

2012: Vick starts 2012 season with the Eagles

Michael Vick began the 2012 season as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles won the first game against the Cleveland Browns despite Vick throwing four interceptions, but after a series of mixed results, calls for coach Andy Reid to replace Vick intensified.