(Reuters) – Former National Football League (NFL) quarterback Michael Vick will serve in an advisory role for startup Fan Controlled Football (FCF) after backing out of plans to play, the league said Sunday.
Sources told Reuters on Friday that the former first overall NFL draft pick would leave retirement to compete in FCF but Vick changed his mind by Sunday, according to the league.
Vick, who last suited up for the NFL in 2015 and is an on-air analyst for Fox Sports, tweeted Sunday: “I hung ‘em up in 2015 never to return again.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to play but I’d rather put my executive hat on with the little ownership that I have!” he added.
Vick’s publicist confirmed to Reuters via email: “Contrary to media reports, Michael Vick will not be playing in the Fan Controlled Football League.”
Fan Controlled Football has attracted high-profile players including Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens and Johnny Manziel, whose much-hyped career in the NFL quickly fizzled.
“Mike has signed on to be a part of the FCF where he will join us as we wrap our regular season in Atlanta on Saturday where he will work with our players, coaches and fans to help them secure the final playoff spots,” an FCF spokesman told Reuters.
“Mike has decided not to suit up this weekend and plans to leave his cleats on the shelf for now.”
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Writing by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
