Vick's V7 Apparel Line Tests Bounds of Quarterback's Brand Turnaround

Americans are known as a forgiving people. In the latest test of that maxim, Michael Vick plans to launch his own clothing label, with the backing of celebrity clothing-line mogul Ruby Azrak and designs commissioned "to Vick's specifications."

It could be said that the star quarterback long ago put his past as a criminal dog abuser behind him. Nike last year picked up the endorsement deal with him that it previously had dropped, and Fuse Science started one. The Philadelphia Eagles committed as much as $100 million to him in a new contract. And he has been accepted on the speaking circuit by the Humane Society and other animal-welfare causes.

But Vick himself previously set the bar for complete restoration of his personal brand at the point where he could launch a successful apparel line. "Just like when you envision yourself having a shoe as a young kid, you also envision yourself going a step further and having a clothing line," he said, according to the Wall Street Journal. He also told WSJ he thinks his brand has been restored up to 75 percent of its previous status.Continue reading...