Kyler Murray issues apology for wearing Michael Vick jersey in picture with dog

On Tuesday, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray received backlash after posting a picture of himself with his pit bull while wearing a Virginia Tech Michael Vick jersey. Fans called out Murray in the comments, claiming the post was in poor taste due to Vick’s history with dogfighting.

Murray has two dogs, both of which are pit bulls. On Wednesday, Murray addressed the backlash he received for his post.

“In no way, shape, or form do I condone animal cruelty or dog fighting, whatever it is,” Murray said. “You all saw me wear the Michael Vick jersey, a player that I admired very much growing up.

“… I saw how it affected people and decided to take it down… So, I apologize to anybody and whoever I affected with that.”

In 2007, Vick admitted to funding a dogfighting ring on property in rural Virginia. The dogfighting ring was known as “Bad Newz Kennels.” Vick was accused of not only funding the operation but being complicit in the execution of dogs and gambling within the ring.

Vick ultimately pled guilty to “Conspiracy to Travel in Interstate Commerce in Aid of Unlawful Activities and to Sponsor a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture.” Vick was assigned to serve 23 months in federal prison for his crimes.

Vick seemed to learn from his horrific mistakes. In 2011, two years after his release from prison, Vick lobbied for the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act. The goal of the act was to establish federal misdemeanor penalties for spectators of illegal animal fighting, while also making it a felony for adults to bring children to these animal fights.

Vick returned to the NFL in 2009 and signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick didn’t start for the Eagles that season, but was the team’s QB1 from 2010-13. Vick officially retired in 2017.

Vick is in his first season as Norfolk State‘s head coach. As of this report, the team is 1-2 in the 2025 campaign. Kyler Murray and the Cardinals have had better luck to start their season.

The Cardinals are 2-0 and Murray has been largely responsible for the team’s success. Through two games, Murray has tallied 383 passing yards and three touchdowns, compared to one interception. On Sunday, Murray will look to build on his momentum as Arizona squares off against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The game will air live on FOX.