Michael Vick lost his livelihood in 2006. After he was convicted on dogfighting charges, was cut by the Atlanta Falcons and found himself in an ocean of debt. With nearly three years to serve behind bars, Vick’s future in the NFL was uncertain.
But at the age of 31, Vick has been able to right his wrongs as the starring quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Once a backup to Donavan McNabb and Kevin Kolb, Vick proved himself on the field and is now a $100 million man.
The Eagles signed Vick to a six-year, $100 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. Vick is now the third highest paid quarterback in the NFL behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
However, Vick’s truest achievements will occur off the field. Soon after his release from prison, Vick visited high schools across the nation to speak with teens about the importance of making good decisions.
Now that he is a $100 million star, Vick will need to continue to give back to the community. He must use his influence to change lives and inspire young black males who are heading down the wrong path.
According to statistics from the Department of Justice, black male incarceration rates are six times higher than the rate of white males. For every 100,000 black males, an estimated 4,777 are in federal or state prisons.
Vick can reach young black males before they end up dead or in jail because he understands their plight.
After going through such a turbulent situation, Vick proves that there can be a second act in life. –amir shaw
