NFL Players Continue to Sign With MMA-Branded Sponsors

It appears that a new trend in sponsorship has kicked off - NFL players are beginning to sign promotional agreements with brands that are typically associated with MMA. It began a few weeks ago with Chad Ochocinco signing with TapouT. Dan Henderson's Clinch Gear went out and signed A.J. Hawk shortly thereafter. And now it's about to be an infamous NFL quarterback - Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL.com has the news (via MMA Payout):

Michael Vick is on the verge of signing his biggest endorsement deal since he restarted his NFL career after his 19-month incarceration, negotiating with MusclePharm on what could be a three-year, $1.55 million deal, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.

...

Vick's deal with MusclePharm would be for two years guaranteed, with an option for a third year, and include substantial bonuses based on the quarterback reaching the Pro Bowl and the Eagles making the playoffs and also the Super Bowl.

Vick's Pro Bowl and postseason bonuses would begin at $25,000, according to the source.

Vick would have a social media responsibility with the company, and the ease with which he works with MusclePharm executives would help determine whether or not the third year is picked up. Vick also would receive $100,000 in MusclePharm stock per year, and base compensation would be $200,000 in the first two years and $250,000 in the third.

MusclePharm, a nutritional supplement company, was originally the WEC's official supplement company and began sponsoring many fighters after the UFC/WEC merger. They have become one of the UFC's biggest sponsors in the last few months. Vick spent 21 months in jail for running an illegal dog fighting ring after a promising first few seasons in the NFL, and was released in mid-2009. He resuscitated his career with a stellar season in 2010 for the Eagles, throwing for a career-high 3018 yards and running for another 676 in only 12 games. He made the Pro Bowl and was named the Comeback Player of the Year award by the AP and Sporting News.

HT: MMA Payout