The Larely Beagle – The Community Newspaper of Larely, California

Philadelphia, PA – With Michael Vick’s recent release from a federal prison in Leavenworth, many advertising executives have been waiting with bated breath to see if any companies out there that would be willing to give the once popular football star a second chance at endorsing products.

That wait ended abruptly today when Vick, on the heels of a remorseful, post-prison interview with 60 Minutes, signed a 23 month, $100 million endorsement with Kleenex^® Brand Tissue.

The three time Pro-Bowler’s contract states simply that he must have a box of Kleenex^® Tissues next to him during every remorseful interview he gives, regardless of whether or not he actually cries. Mark Buthman, who is CEO and Chairman of Kleenex’s parent company, Kimberly-Clark, stated that he caught the episode of 60 Minutes which interviewed Vick, and “knew in one heart felt moment that Vick should be the new face of the company.”

Buthman went on to add, “We know Michael Vick frequently used our products in prison. Between wiping away his tears and cleaning himself up on those lonely nights, he was going through a couple boxes a week. Because of this, we’re confident he will inspire others to purchase Kleenex^® and put them to the same effective uses that he has, focusing first and foremost on wiping away those unwanted tears of remorse to get a second chance. Kleenex^®: It Feels Good to Feel™”

Michael Vick played college football for Virginia Tech and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. In April 2007, he was indicted in a dogfighting ring he operated for a period of five years. He plead guilty to charges and was sentenced to 23 months in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, where he was introduced to Kleenex^® Brand Tissues by his cell mate. He was released to home confinement on May 20, 2009 and has since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Following his arrest and suspension from the NFL, Vick saw all of his endorsements with companies like Nike, EA Sports and Coca-Cola be yanked out from under him. However, since his release and signing with Kleenex^®, Vick is confident he will return to full form, both in the NFL and with his endorsements. “I will get everything back and more”, Vick said as he wiped away a tear with a tissue from Kleenex^®, “I have worked hard for this and I’m in talks with some companies such as Vaseline^® and KY^® to represent their product on and off the field the way I did in prison. Kleenex^®: It Feels Good to Feel™.”