5 NFL players who repaired their reputation after having it tarnished feat. Ben Roethlisberger, Michael Vick
Players across the NFL have a duty to be role models to millions across the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Plenty of stars across the league experienced off-field issues that almost derailed their careers and ruined their reputations. Some players crumbled and their careers were thrown off-course, but others have rebuilt their tarnished reputations.
These players have had their issues made public, their dirty laundry washed in the public eye. After intense scrutiny and criticism, they managed to change the public’s opinion of them.
For some fans, there is no chance of redemption. But these players managed to just about leave their issues behind them. After a long time and a lot of effort, they were able to reshape their legacies.
Here are five NFL players who repaired their tarnished reputations:
#1 - Peyton Manning
One of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Peyton Manning had to repair his reputation after being accused of sexual assault. The incident occurred while Manning was in Tennessee in 1996. Trainer Jamie Ann Naughtright claimed Manning pressed his genitals against her face during a foot examination. Manning claimed that he was "mooning” a teammate at the time. Naughtright resigned from the school in 2002 after settling for $300,000 in damages for four separate incidents.
Manning went on to have a superb career after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning won five MVPs, was an All-Pro 10 times, made 14 Pro Bowls and also won two Super Bowl rings. After winning the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, Manning called time on his career.
#2 - Michael Vick
Michael Vick’s NFL career looked to be over in 2006, after he was arrested for his part in a dog-fighting ring. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback was arrested in 2007. After being released in 2009, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vick was excellent during his first season back in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He formed a lethal partnership with DeSean Jackson and spent seven more years in the league before retiring in 2015. Vick can often be seen on TV as an analyst these days, as he continues to improve his reputation.