By Frank Pingue

(Reuters) – Michael Vick is a former NFL star quarterback whose participation in a dogfighting ring halted a remarkable career that was his. A source confirmed to Reuters that Vick has decided to retire to start Fan Controlled Football.

Vick is a former first-round draft pick. He last played in a National Football League match in 2015.

Vick is 41 and hasn’t been assigned to a team yet.

Vick, the most prominent player, has signed up for Fan Controlled Football. This group also includes Terrell Owens of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Johnny Manziel whose highly-publicized NFL careers ended after just two seasons.

Sources claim Vick made the decision to make a comeback following the successes Owens had since signing with the league.

Fan Controlled Football has doubled its size this year to include eight teams. This is a simplified 7-on-7 American Football game on a 50 yard indoor field. Fans can call plays and act as virtual video gamers.

Vick was picked by Atlanta Falcons as the first pick in 2001 NFL Draft. It made Vick the first Black quarterback selected with that pick. His speed and power passing abilities continued to impress fans.

Vick, who was an Atlanta standout for six of his Falcons seasons, pleaded guilty and apologized in 2007 for his part in an illegal dogfighting organization called “Bad Newz Kennels”, which ultimately led to Vick spending nearly two years prison.

Vick was back with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. He served as an occasional backup, but he took over the starting position the following season. This led to Vick being named NFL Comeback Player-of-the Year.

Vick left Philadelphia after five seasons and became a backup player with the New York Jets.

Vick was officially retired after his career of 22,464 yards passing and 133 touchdowns in 13 NFL seasons. His 6,109 career rushing yardage remains the highest by any quarterback.

Fan Controlled Football’s 7-week regular season began in April. It will then be followed up by the playoffs. All games will be held in one Atlanta location.

Vick is likely to provide a significant boost to Fan Controlled Football ratings, which are now five weeks ahead of the last season.

Fan Controlled Football reports that this show has been viewed by more than 12,000,000 viewers in Twitch.com, Peacock.com, NBCLX.com, DAZN.com, and Fubo Sports Network.