When Michael Vick went to prison for his role in an illegal dogfighting ring, he had time to think, and write.
Vick began working on his autobiography when he was incarcerated in 2007 and 2008. “Finally Free” hits bookstores on Sept. 4. Vick provided excerpts of the book for USA Today on Monday.
In the book, USA Today reports, Vick—now the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback—discusses a wide variety of subjects, from his time in prison to his promise that he would bring Philadelphia a Super Bowl.
“Back when I was involved in those activities, I may have become more dedicated to the deep study of dogs than I was to my (Atlanta) Falcons playbook,” Vick wrote, in an excerpt provided by USA Today. “I became better at reading dogs than reading defenses.
“That’s just so sad to say right now, because I put more time and effort into trying to master that pursuit than my own profession … which was my livelihood … which put food on the table for my family.”
Other things Vick discussed in the book, via USA Today:
Lying to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:Â “I knew how to lie with a straight face. Sad to say, Commissioner Goodell bought into what I was saying, and I think he truly believed me that I was telling the truth. I deeply regret not telling him the truth from the outset.
“It was a very nervous time for me. I knew I was going to try to lie my way through the whole dogfighting case and see if money, good lawyers, and manipulating the system could get me out of the position I was in—which was a terrible position.”
Being a prisoner:Â “I was no longer No. 7, the football player. I was inmate No. 33765-183, and I couldn’t change that, regardless of the fact that this number definitely didn’t fit me. I had that number on every day. I had to write it on each piece of mail that I sent out. It will forever be embedded in my brain.”
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