Unequal Technologies, a sports equipment company, is expected to announce that it has signed Michael Vick in a two-year endorsement deal. This will be Vick's first national endorsement deal since being released from prison.
"We're real excited about it," CEO Rob Vito said Tuesday, the Huffington Post reports. "Michael is good people. He paid his dues. President Obama reached out to him. He deserves an opportunity. This is what makes America so great. He's moved forward. He's a whole other person."
The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but Vito says it's a "sizable" deal.
"We believe it was worth it," he said, "because of Michael Vick and how he can shed light on the technology of our products."
When the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback returned after missing a few games due to a rib injury last season, he wore a vest and shock-absorbent sports pads designed by Unequal.
"The Unequal technology is a part of my game now and I won't play without my Unequal," Vick said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. "Unequal's protective power gives me a whole new level of confidence in my game. It makes me feel invincible."
Before serving 18 months in federal prison on charges related to his role in a dog fighting ring, Vick was the National Football League's highest-paid player and one of the most desired endorsers in sports.
1. Kobe Bryant
The Lakers star was charged with sexual assault in 2004, and although the case was settled, Bryant lost a number of high-profile endorsements after his arrest. In 2005 Nike resumed using Bryant's photos in its ads. More recently, Bryant inked deals with Chinese Web company Sina.com and Turkish Airlines.
2. Michael Phelps
The fresh-faced Olympic swimmer found himself at the center of a scandal after photos of him using what appeared to be a bong surfaced in the press. Although Kellogg's decided not to renew Phelps' endorsement contract after the news broke, luxury watch maker Omega had no problem doing so.
3. Tiger Woods
Sure, the golfer lost millions of dollars in endorsement deals after reports of his marital infidelity took the media by storm, but he still had checks to cash. Less than a year after Woods' infamous 2009 car accident, Nike released a new ad showing a silent Woods staring into the camera as his late father's voice asks, "Did you learn anything?"
4. Lance Armstrong
Despite ongoing allegations of drug use that could lead to a trial, Lance Armstrong's endorsement deals continue to come through. He's lent his name to Michelob, Nike and a natural foods startup called Honey Stinger.
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