Fox Sports has hired former NFL quarterback Michael Vick to be an in-studio football analyst for the upcoming season, an individual with knowledge of the hiring told TheWrap.
Vick will appear on “Fox NFL Kickoff,” which is the lead-in show for “Fox NFL Sunday.” He’ll also make appearances on various FS1 shows.
That cable channel happens to also be the home of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In case you’ve forgotten, Vick has a bad history with the canine community after 21 months in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring that disrupted his NFL career.
“I’m very excited,” Vick told USA Today Sports, which first reported the news. “Over the last seven or eight months, I’ve done a lot of interviews, and I think I’ve gotten better as I’ve been put in those situations more often. Things really came together (with Fox) over the last couple months. They have shows that I have always watched and admired. My friends and family are thankful and proud of me.”
“He was obviously an outstanding player, but we feel he has an incredibly bright future as an analyst,” John Entz, Fox Sports president of production and executive producer, told the publication. “He has stayed close to the game and has many relationships with today’s current coaches and players. We feel he can bring a truly unique perspective that intrigues and engages our viewers.”
Vick spent this summer as a coaching intern with the Kansas City Chiefs.
As a player, Vick was a game-changing lefty quarterback, who was as much of a threat with his legs as his arm. The former Virginia Tech player’s career was derailed in 2007, when he was pled guilty on federal charges for his role in an interstate dog-fighting ring. He served 21 months in jail.
Vick has since sought help to rehabilitate that behavior, eventually getting the go-ahead to adopt a puppy for his children.
How 13 Oddball Super Bowl Prop Bets Paid Off, From Lady Gaga to Donald Trump (Photos)
No sports drink was poured on the Patriots coach -- but other weird wagers fared better, according to betting site Bovada
What color will Lady Gaga's hair be when she comes on stage for the halftime show?
Blonde: 1/4 **WINNER
Any other color: 5/2
How long will it take for Luke Bryan to sing the national anthem?
Over/Under**: 2 minutes 9 seconds
Will the word "Lacrosse" be said on TV during live broadcast? (Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan played college lacrosse)
Yes: 1/3
No: 2/1 **WINNER
What color will the liquid be that is poured on the winning coach?
Clear: 3/1
Lime/Green: 3/1
Orange: 3/1
Yellow: 3/1
Red: 6/1
Blue: 15/2
Purple: 12/1
NO WINNER: None poured; bet voided
Which song will Lady Gaga play first during the halftime show?
Born this Way: 9/4
Bad Romance: 5/2
Edge of Glory: 6/1
Poker Face: 10/1
Just Dance: 10/1
Any Other Song: 11/10 **WINNER
What will Luke Bryan be wearing when he starts singing the national anthem?
Blue jeans: 1/2
Any other pants or shorts: 3/2 **WINNER
How many times will Gisele Bundchen be shown on TV during the broadcast? (Bundchen is married to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady)
Over 1½: +110 (11/10) **WINNER
Under 1½: -150 (2/3)
Will "Houston we have a problem" be said on TV during the broadcast?
Yes: 5/2
No: 1/4 **WINNER
How many times will Donald Trump's name be mentioned on TV during the broadcast?
Over/Under**: 1½
Will Luke Bryan forget or omit a word from the national anthem?
Yes: 4/1
No: 1/7 **WINNER
What will be higher on Super Bowl Sunday?
Tom Brady rushing yards: +150 (3/2) **WINNER
Donald Trump's interview with Bill O'Reilly in minutes: -200 (1/2)
How many times will "Matty Ice" be said on TV during the live broadcast? (The unofficial nickname of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan)
Over/Under **: 2
Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first?
God: 2/1
Team/Teammates: 2/1
Coach: 9/1 **WINNER
Family: 9/1
Owner: 9/1
Donald Trump: 20/1
Does not mention anyone above: 5/2
1 of 14
No sports drink was poured on the Patriots coach — but other weird wagers fared better, according to betting site Bovada
No sports drink was poured on the Patriots coach -- but other weird wagers fared better, according to betting site Bovada