Disgraced Atlanta Falcons football star Michael Vick began serving his prison sentence on Monday after surrendering to authorities.  Vick has not been sentenced yet but the time served will be applied to his sentence when the judge issues it on December 10th.

He’s scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 on a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge but worked out a deal “to voluntarily enter custody prior to his sentencing hearing,” according to a court document.

The federal sentencing guideline range is projected at a year to 18 months, but Vick, who has admitted bankrolling the Bad Newz Kennels, could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Vick knows he will be serving time so surrendering early was a smart move on his part and could influence the sentencing judge to be more lenient.