Lucky Number 7…or maybe not - The Michael Vick dilemma

Michael Vick is a tremendous talent at the quarterback position, just ask the Falcons owner Arthur Blank. In his years with the Falcons, Vick did great things on the field leading the Falcons to the playoffs but never to the Super Bowl. The biggest thing with Vick and his career with the Falcons was the love that the owner, Blank, had for the beloved quarterback. Blank and Vick had a close knit relationship that was a special one from the first day that the two were together, but along the way something went wrong. Vick was a talented quarterback on the field but his problems off the field soon caught up with him and not even his closest relationship could withstand the downfall. Vick was convicted of running a dog fighting ring and it included many of his friends and close colleagues. The issue for Vick was to come clean to his owner and the commissioner but instead he chose to hide behind his lies and his denials. He was sentenced to time in jail, time for his to think about the things that he had done and to come out a better man but did he? During his time in prison Vick was released from the Falcons and his future in the NFL remained up in the air, the one thing that was not up in the air was the feelings that Arthur Blank had toward Vick. Blank was taken by surprise by Vick’s dishonesty to him and the Commissioner, he could not believe that a player that he was so close to would choose to be so dishonest and he washed his hands of the issue and of Vick. It seems when one of our heroes (in sports) has fallen we always look for that feel good story, the story of redemption and as Vick was being released from prison he would have his time at redemption.

The question was who would be willing to take a chance on this player? Who would be willing to give this man, who lied and disappointed so many, another crack at the NFL? There was no question he could still play, there was no question that he could participate at a high level but would he receive that chance. The Philadelphia Eagles in a stunning move signed Vick to a two year deal as the third string quarterback, of course with the hopes of using him in various situations and they did successfully. Preparing for the second year of his contract the Eagles made big changes, by sending Donovan McNabb to the Redskins, meaning Vick would now be the second string quarterback behind Kolb, putting him in a spot where he could possibly move into the starting spot.

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Somewhere along the way someone forgot to tell Michael Vick don’t mess up a second chance, somewhere along the way he has forgotten what road he has been down and it is time for him to realize what he has. There are many that have fought, battled and given everything just to have a shot in the NFL and Vick has had two opportunities. With this whole party issue and a shooting outside the party, a party where Vick said he left 30 minutes before only to find video tapes to show he left only 3 minutes before hand its time to come clean Michael. Just for once Mr. Vick just own up to the truth especially if you had no involvement in the matter, why would you lie? You can learn a lesson from Ray Lewis, once is enough for him and he keeps himself out of those matters because playing in the NFL is a dream realized and one that is very special. I love to watch Michael Vick on the field he is an absolute mind blowing player but you must keep yourself away from the things that could keep you from your dreams of playing in the NFL. Mr. Vick you are a great player, but don’t make the Eagles regret that they rolled the dice and took a chance on you because chances are you won’t get another one.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer