Last night it was announced that former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick, has found a new home: the Philadelphia Eagles. Michael Vick has signed an one year deal worth $1.6 million with the option of a second year worth $5.2 million. As we all know, Vick was found guilty of running a huge dog fighting ring and did about 2 years of federal jail time. Vick was known more for his ability to rush than his ability to throw. However, during the 2006 season (last season before Vick was arrested), he proved he can also throw the ball making him a very dangerous threat. Defenses had a hard time planning how to contain the two-headed monster. If the defense played the pass, Vick would just rush down the field and if the defense played the run, Vick would fake the rush and pass down the field. Vick was on top of the world before it all came crashing down on him. During the offseason in 2007, Vick's name was getting thrown around in the middle of a huge dog fighting ring. Vick was later found guilty and sentenced. The NFL suspended him indefinitely and the Atlanta Falcons released him. Vick also lost all of his endorsements he had.
After serving almost two years in federal prison, the big question on Vick's release was first: Would Goodell reinstate him into the NFL? And second: Who would have the guts to sign him? Vick's last NFL game was in 2006. He has been out of the game for two full seasons. Will he be in good enough shape? Does he still have the speed and agility? Can he still throw? Will he play quarterback? These are all questions asked by NFL owners, coaches, players, analysts and fans alike. Two years is an eternity for an athlete - physically and mentally. Also, the other big risk owners took on going after Vick would not be on the field but from the bad press from animal rights activists and PETA. It shall be interesting to see how Vick does in Philadelphia (if he makes the team) and the press surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan McNabb WILL be the quarterback this season but it will be interesting to see how the Eagles use Vick. Will he be used as a backup? Wide receiver? Or Wildcat type formations? We shall see. What do you think? Please let me know what you think by putting a comment. Peace!
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im glad to see the eagles take a chance on vick! he did his time and now he should be able to go on with his life and career! i hope he does well and for peta they can suck it!
ReplyDeleteI thought the Steelers *cringes* would end up taking the chance on Michael Vick with the connections with Dungy and Tomlin (Tomlin worked under Dungy and he's from Newport News like Vick). It will be interesting to see how Philly utilizes him. He's always been questioned when it came to quarterbacking. I've always felt that if Dan Reeves stayed as coach Mike would've truly improved as a passer (his best passing numbers came in 2002).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Mike's mentally ready to get back to football but I wonder about him physically. I've been a fan of his since '99. Hell, he's probably the main reason why I got into college football in the first place. I hope that Mike can once again enjoy the fame, fortune and fun of the NFL. Just don't let it consume him as it did the first time.
I'm a dog lover and what he did breaks my heart but I believe in second chances and I'm glad he got his.