Philadelphia Eagle Michael Vick’s diligent efforts to regain the public’s trust and exhibit a redemptive position have successfully culminated into lucrative business partnerships. This week, Vick announced the signing of a three-year endorsement deal with nutritional supplement company MusclePham Corporation and becoming an equity partner in Double Eagle Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Fuse Science Inc. Vick also spoke before Congress in support of a bill that would prohibit attending a dogfight and stiffens the penalties for hosting one.
MusclePham Corporation signed Vick to a three-year, $1.55 million endorsement deal, the first major one since his return to the NFL in 2009. Vick will be a major face of the rapidly expanding MusclePham brand including playing an interactive social media role. MusclePham has drawn rave reviews for its sports nutrition supplements and is currently used by top athletes in the NFL, MLB and the UFC.
“For us to agree to this deal and have Mike come on board with MusclePharm, we had to be confident that he has rehabilitated himself and we are convinced that he has,” says MusclePharm CEO Brad Pyatt. “This is a tremendous opportunity for both MusclePharm and Mike, and we believe the potential is limitless. We are thrilled to be partnering with such a dynamic superstar in the NFL and this has the chance to be a game-changer for our company and the industry.”
In 2010, Vick was named both the Sporting News and Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year, after posting a banner year for the Eagles. He threw for a career-high 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for nearly 700 yards, earning a fourth Pro Bowl berth and leading the Eagles to the playoffs in the process.
Vick returned to the NFL in 2009 after serving time on dogfighting charges. He spoke before Congress this week supporting house bill H.R. 2492, which would prohibit knowing attendance at organized animal fights and add further penalties for anyone who brought a minor to such an event (see video). The Humane Society supports the bill. Nike dropped Vick as a spokesperson when he was convicted, but re-signed him several weeks ago.
Vick also announced that he has an equity partner agreement with Double Eagle Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Fuse Science, Inc. As part of the agreement, Vick also will endorse Fuse Science as the company’s primary NFL spokesperson.
The agreement represents the first major athlete endorsement contract for Fuse Science — the developer of new, patent-pending technologies poised to redefine how consumers receive energy, medicines, vitamins and minerals. It is only Vick’s second major product endorsement agreement since returning to the NFL in 2009 and re-signing with Nike Corporation less than two weeks ago.
This is a five-year, exclusive agreement for Vick in the sports nutrition and energy categories. Additionally, the scope of Vick’s endorsement is not limited to specific products within the Fuse Science family. Vick will stand behind the Fuse Science technology, intellectual property, unique delivery system, and future products to be developed in the sports nutrition and energy marketplaces.
“Fuse Science has game-changing technology and an incredible team of scientists and business leaders to bring it to market,” added Vick. “I believe these products will revolutionize how athletes provide their bodies with nutrients and medicines, changing what we have come to accept as normal. Why take a painkiller and wait 30 to 40 minutes for it to work, when a better product can work in one-tenth the time? Why fill up with a 32-ounce sports drink when a couple of drops can give you the electrolytes you need? I’m convinced Fuse Science has the best technology and the most effective delivery system, and that is why I wanted to be more than just an endorsement partner for this company.”
“Evidenced by jersey sales that continue to be among the NFL’s best, Michael’s brand awareness and popular appeal have never wavered and continue to grow rapidly. He will have a tremendous impact on our company’s ability to reach and connect with our target market of up-and-coming athletes who endeavor to be the best at their game,” added Brian Tuffin, Fuse Science president and chief operating officer.
