Sources told CNBC that retailers in the Philadelphia area are placing major orders for Michael Vick's jersey since he was named the starter by Eagles
coach Andy Reid last week.
Following charges that he led a dogfighting ring, Vick in the summer of 2007 became the first NFL player ever to have sales of his merchandise suspended by the league. Reebok at the time halted production of Vick's Falcons jerseys and credited retailers canceled their orders.
Vick eventually served 19 months in prison before being signed by the Eagles last year. After seeing limited action in 2009, Vick became the started in week 2 of the season of Kevin Kobb underwent a concussion in week 1. After another strong game in week 2, he became the starter for week 3's game and led the team to another win.
“Certainly after coach Reid declared him the starter and offered his vote of confidence, demand and sales escalated and we did bring in more (jerseys) to meet customer needs,” Jed Berger, senior vice president of marketing for Modell's Sporting Goods, which brought Eagles No. 7 jerseys into its stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, told CNBC.
On Monday morning, two Dick's Sporting Goods stores in the Philadelphia
area were promising customers that Vick jerseys would be in by the end
of the week.
On NFLShop.com, a fan can even personalize an Eagles dog jersey with the No. 7 on it.
Vick threw for three touchdowns and ran for another in a 28-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Vick's 110.2 quarterback rating is the highest in his career, according to SI's Peter King.
Vick's contract with Nike was terminated, but the company does provide the Eagles quarterback with free product.
