In the world of sports, it can be very challenging for an aspiring professional athlete, or even a well-seasoned one, to stand out from the crowd and have the opportunity to luxuriate from their success. As the movie Jerry McGuire successfully illustrates, the sports industry is cutthroat and remarkably competitive. Successful athletes are a dime…
Tag Archives | Michael Vick
Financial Planning and Pro Athletes: Players In Investment Trouble
On the topic of financial planning, American economist Paul Samuelson once said, “Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas.” Of course, some athletes have no problems going to Vegas, and they take a lot more than $800 with them….
Education for Athletes is Still the Key to Financial Security
If you don’t think education for athletes is important, it’s probably time you start paying attention. Sports Illustrated has reported that 78% of former NFL players are bankrupt or near-bankrupt within two years of retirement. In the NBA, that number is 60% within the first five years out of the league. These statistics are disturbing, given…
To Pick Vick?
This past Monday news broke that the Eagles had signed Michael Vick for 2013. First, this again proves that the NFL truly never does sleep. Team executives are working year-round, even though there are not any players on the field. Exaggerated Reporting While it was noteworthy that the Eagles had reached an agreement with Michael…
The Likability Factor: In Sports and the Workplace
“What was the score?” The question cuts right to heart of how we judge successful teams and players. Our results-driven society places high value on the overall outcome, but there’s more to it than that isn’t there? That’s where the likability factor comes in. Forbes magazine recently published its list of the most-disliked athletes in…
Overtime Post – Thanksgiving for Sports Fans
It was business for me as usual this week since I celebrated Thanksgiving last month, although I wouldn’t mind a second helping of turkey. Regardless, I want to do a short list of things that I’m thankful for this year as a sports fan. Vancouver 2010 Olympics: Not only was it the time of my…
Overtime Post – Pros and Cons of Athletes on Twitter
Through out this whole week, we’ve had ongoing discussions about the pros and cons of professional athletes using social media to build their brands and engage with fans. Twitter, specifically has been a hot topic due to Tiger Woods making a re-entrance to the space. Since this is the internet, it’s expected that the general…
Will Michael Vick’s Road to Redemption Ever End?
54 for 89 (60% completions). 6 passing touchdowns. 1 rushing touchdown. 0 interceptions. And a QB rating of 110.2. Those are Michael Vick’s numbers three weeks into the 2010 NFL season. Vick started the season as backup to Kevin Kolb. But after a Week 1 Kolb concussion and a dominant Week 2 performance by Vick in his place, head coach Andy Reid made the decision to give Vick the chance he’d been waiting several years for, to be a starting quarterback in the National Football League once again.
But this post is not about Michael Vick the football player, it is about Michael Vick the person.
These Athletes Should Be on Twitter
For professional athletes, Twitter can be an incredibly valuable tool. It is a way to connect with current fans and to earn new ones. It is also an alternative to traditional media, providing direct access the public. Twitter is a tool for crisis management, where athletes can accept criticism and attempt to change opinions. Most…
Vick Has His Say, But Do We Believe Him? Does It Matter?
Despite lots of competition, the lead sports public relations story continues to be former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick. Since we last met, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick to a one-year contract for $1.6 million with a second-year option worth $5.2 million and incentives. Vick, for those who aren’t familiar with his story, served 18…
Sports Images Take a Beating, Making Effective PR All the More Important
The sports industry has been fraught with public relations challenges the past 10 days. When I began to form this post in my head, the “only” examples were Michael Vick, Brett Favre, Plaxico Burress and Major League Baseball. Today I add to that the National Football League and ESPN. What could be more appropriate for…