If you followed the NFL in the mid-2000s, you know the name Michael Vick. You know the electric plays, the Madden cover, and the staggering fall from grace that landed him in a federal prison cell. But while the world was debating his legacy, one woman was sitting in a visitor’s room in Leavenworth, Kansas, separated by a pane of glass.
That woman is Kijafa Frink.
Most people just label her as "Michael Vick's wife," but that’s a bit of an oversimplification. Honestly, she’s the person who kept the family from imploding when everything else was burning down. From the height of "Vick-era" Atlanta to the dark days of the dogfighting scandal and the eventual redemption in Philadelphia, she’s been the constant.
Who Exactly is Kijafa Frink?
Kijafa isn't just a bystander in the Vick saga. She grew up in North Philadelphia—a background that likely gave her the grit needed to handle what was coming. She met Michael back in 2002 at a club in Virginia. At the time, he was the king of the NFL, the first overall pick who was literally changing how the quarterback position was played.
They weren't an "overnight" marriage. Far from it. They dated for a decade before officially tying the knot. By the time they walked down the aisle in June 2012, they had already survived more than most couples do in fifty years.
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The wedding itself was a massive affair at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. No cameras, no cell phones—total lockdown. It was a private moment for a couple that had been dragged through the public mud for years.
Staying Through the Scandal
Let’s be real: most people expected her to leave in 2007. When the federal indictment came down regarding "Bad Newz Kennels," Michael Vick became the most hated man in America. He lost the $130 million contract. He lost the Nike deal. He lost his freedom.
Kijafa was pregnant with their second daughter, London, when the police raided the property in Surry County.
She didn't bolt. Instead, she moved to be closer to the prison. She handled the bankruptcy filings. She dealt with the creditors and the press. In various interviews, including the BET docuseries The Michael Vick Project, she’s been candid about how hard that era was. She told Inside Edition that the thought of leaving never even crossed her mind.
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That kind of loyalty is rare, especially in the world of pro sports where "fair-weather" partners are a cliché. She saw a side of the situation that the public didn't—a man who, according to her, was genuinely broken and looking for a second chance.
Life Beyond the NFL
Kijafa has never been content just sitting at home. She’s a serial entrepreneur. You might remember her from the VH1 reality show Baller Wives, which she didn't just star in—she was an executive producer.
She also co-founded PNK Elephant, a fashion line and boutique that gained some serious traction in Philadelphia and online. She’s savvy. She knows how to leverage a platform. While Michael was working on his comeback with the Eagles, Kijafa was building her own brand.
The Vick Family Today
Today, the couple has a full house. They have two daughters, Jada and London, and a son named Michael Jr. (often called "Mitez" from a previous relationship of Michael's, though Kijafa has been a staple in his life for years).
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They seem to have found a rhythm that works. You’ll often see them posting on Instagram—Michael's 45th birthday bash in 2025 was a huge deal, featuring stars like Allen Iverson. It’s a far cry from the 12-cents-an-hour prison job Michael had in 2008.
What Most People Get Wrong
People assume Kijafa stayed for the money. If you look at the timeline, that doesn't hold water. She stayed when he was bankrupt. She stayed when he was $20 million in debt and living in a rental home after his release.
There’s a nuance there that gets lost in the headlines. She wasn't just a "WAG" (Wives and Girlfriends); she was the architect of his rehabilitation. She pushed him to do the work with the Humane Society and to rebuild his image not just for the fans, but for their kids.
Next Steps for Following the Story
If you're interested in the business side of their lives, look into Kijafa’s latest ventures in the fashion and jewelry space, as she often launches seasonal collections via her social platforms. For a deeper look at their early struggles, the documentary Vick (part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series) features extensive interviews with Kijafa that provide a raw, non-filtered perspective on the 2007-2009 period. You can also track Michael’s current work as an NFL analyst, where he frequently credits his family’s stability for his successful post-playing career.