‘Financial Longevity’: Michael Vick Opens Up About Life After NFL
By: Michael Neal
October 11, 2024
Retired NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who is now 44, recently opened up about retirement after leaving professional sports. “I think the NFL does a great job of making sure we’re set up properly when we retire,” Vick began. Vick played for 13 seasons in the NFL and remains the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards. He was also the first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. “They put us in plans where if you play long enough and invest long enough while you’re in the league, then you’ll have decent payouts when you get older,” Vick explained. Vick played college football at Virginia Tech. While playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Vick made three Pro Bowls and led the team to two playoff runs. Vick highlighted various benefits available to former players, such as 401(k) plans, annuities, pensions, and disability support due to injuries sustained while playing. “The league provides us with opportunities to make sure financial longevity is in place for us, if you want it,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of guys who didn’t want it, who didn’t pay attention.” However, Vick noted that financial literacy is crucial, as many athletes fail to take advantage of these benefits. According to Forbes, Vick’s net worth is estimated to be $22 million. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to his involvement in a dog fighting ring and served 21 months in federal prison. After his prison sentence, Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2009 season. Vick made the Pro Bowl once again and was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year after the 2010 season. The Eagles gave him a six-year, $100 million contract before the 2011 season. Vick finished his career with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers as a backup. He officially retired in 2017. Nike also re-signed Vick in 2011 and he signed sponsorship deals with multiple other brands.
