Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who spent 18 months in federal prison for his involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring, has signed a six-year deal worth $100 million.
In what many are now characterizing as a ‘complete comeback’ for the 31-year old, he will earn $16.5 this year in a deal that will be evenly distributed across the six seasons. He is guaranteed $40 million.
This is Vick’s second mega contract. Atlanta handed Vick a 10-year, $130 million extension at the end of the 2004 regular season. That deal made him the richest player in the league at that time.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said, “I’m very happy we were able to reach an agreement with Michael on this long-term contract. It’s a product of all the hard work Michael has done to better himself over the last couple of years, both on and off the field.”
He continued, “I’m very proud that he has been able to achieve success again in this league, but he’ll be the first one to tell you that there is a lot of work yet to be done by him and this team as a whole.”
The Eagles have sent a strong message that they have confidence in Vick’s on-field performance and in the way he conducts himself in his off time. In exchange for their faith in him, they expect him to remain healthy and stay out of trouble.
Vick and Reid will hold a press conference Tuesday to hype the news.
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