‘We Had -$1,000’: Michael Vick Opens Up About Bankruptcy, Dogfighting, and the Day T.I. Gave Him $75,000 to Start Over

Michael Vick’s road to redemption after his fall from NFL stardom has been well-documented, most recently again on “I Am Athlethte,” on Jan. 23. During the podcast he was asked about the story of hip-hop mogul T.I. helping him out finically.

A Friend Indeed

Vick was asked if T.I. was an example of being a true friend for staying by his side and giving him $75,000 after Vick had asked for $50,000. Vick answered that T.I. helped him “without hesitation.”

Michael Vick’s Downfall and Comeback

In July 2007, NFL quarterback Michael Vick was indicted on federal charges for financing and participating in an illegal dogfighting ring known as “Bad Newz Kennels.” He admitted to sponsoring dogfights across several states, profiting from gambling, and directly participating in the brutal execution of underperforming dogs. Prosecutors pursued the case under the RICO Act, citing the cruelty involved as an aggravating factor. Vick pleaded guilty to conspiracy and admitted to killing six to eight dogs. He later violated his bond by testing positive for marijuana, leading to home confinement.

In December 2007, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. Vick also agreed to pay nearly $1 million in restitution for the care of the seized dogs, though the Department of Labor later alleged some of that money was misused.

In 2008, while still incarcerated, Vick pleaded guilty to a Virginia state felony charge of dogfighting and received a suspended three-year sentence and a $2,500 fine. He was released from federal custody on July 20, 2009. The case severely damaged Vick’s reputation and finances, though he later made a comeback in the NFL and became an advocate for animal welfare.

On July 7, 2008, Vick, who made NFL career earnings of $115.9 million, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News, Virginia. The initial petition reported that Vick had assets totaling less than $50 million and liabilities ranging between $10 million and $50 million. Among his unsecured creditors, the seven largest were collectively owed $12.8 million. The top three included Joel Enterprises Inc., which was owed $4.5 million for a breach of contract; the Atlanta Falcons, seeking $3.75 million related to a prorated portion of Vick’s signing bonus; and the Royal Bank of Canada, which was owed $2.5 million in loan repayments.

And with the help of T.I., Vick slowly was able to gain control of his finances. Though he didn’t say exactly when T.I. gave him the money, he did first reveal the gesture in 2020 on ESPN’s two-part “30 for 30” documentary. When the former quarterback was released from prison, a call from T.I. gave Vick hope.

Vick had already filed bankruptcy — and he and his wife found themselves with a negative bank balance. “We had -$1,000,” Vick recalled to ESPN.

T.I. reached out to Vick just to check on him. When T.I. learned that Vick needed money, he asked how much. Vick told him $50,000 would help him get back on his feet. T.I. wired him $75,000.

The money gave Vick the space he needed to begin rebuilding his life. Soon afterward, in 2009, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and went on to have one of the most remarkable comebacks in NFL history. In 2010, just one year after his release, Vick delivered one of the best seasons of his career, earning a fourth Pro Bowl appearance.

For Vick, T.I.’s kindness wasn’t just about the money — it was about someone believing in him when others had turned their backs. “That was real,” Vick said. “Being real isn’t an act. It’s gotta be in you.”

Vick retired on February 3, 2017. In 2024, Vick signed a multi-year deal to become the Norfolk State head coach, receiving an annual base salary of $400,000.