Vick: 'Some people will never forget'
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick did an extensive interview with the Wall Street Journal in which he covered a number of subjects, including being a spokesman for the Humane Society, an endorsement deal with Unequal Technologies and the possibility of being featured on the cover of EA Sports' Madden 2012 videogame. He also talks about his plans for the future, including setting up a new marketing company representing other NFL players and creating a sports apparel and shoe company.
The story focuses largely on Vick's relationship with Unequal Technologies and the company's decision to use him as its spokesman. You can also watch a 20-minute video interview with Vick at the link.
The initial question was whether Vick thinks people will ever forget the actions that sent him to prison.
"At some point I think you let bygones be bygones," he said. "I think some people will never forget. Some people will. But I think that's just the reality of the situation I created for myself."
Vick went on to say that he does not pay attention to much of the criticism of him that he sees, but he spent last summer reading the harshest material "in order to prove people wrong."
"It motivates me."
Here are some other excerpts:
* "The lowest point in my life was definitely when I was in prision. But every day when I was in prison, I was confident and optimistic that one day I would get a letter, that somebody would do something to free me up... It never happened but I always believed. So that's why I always had hope. And that's what got me through the time."
* "I was locked down 23 hours of the day. One hour to go out and walk around the (recreation) yard. That was a time that I spent dreaming and visualizing myself coming back and doing great things. And just praying for an opportunity. I took that moment to reflect back on all of the things that I didn't take advantage of, and what I could do moving forward to try to be prosperous."
* "I'm happy that I turned out to be the person I am, and I wouldn't change anything about my life if I could."
* "As crazy as this may sound, going to prison really changed my life. I was able to go in and come out with a plan."
* "The advice that I would give to Chris Brown is, 'just put your faith in God. Don't worry about what people say about you. Words will never hurt you. The things that people can say out of their mouth can cut you deep. And sometimes a tongue can be sharper than a knife. But at the same time, you should never allow that to push you over the edge. You should have more self-control. You control your own destiny. You're still admired by so many people.' And I think he just has to see that. And he'll be OK."
In other news, sales of Vick's jersey have pushed to No. 6 overall from No. 20 in the last year, according to USA Today. Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is No. 11.
Here is the top 5:
1) Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
3) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
4) Petyon Manning, Indianapolis Colts
5) Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos
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