Sports fans love a story. A hero story, an underdog story, and this years' headliner: a comeback story.Michael Vick has been making headlines since 1999 as the starting quarterback for Virginia Tech . He was so fast, so versatile, and so stinkin talented. Towards the end of his 6 years with the Atlanta Falcons, the news headlines weren't focused on his Pro Bowl appearances, but rather his legal troubles. Wild parties, drug speculations, and what became the huge Dog Fighting Scandal were making headlines everywhere. In 2007, he was indighted and served almost 2 years in prison. The guy who had one of the most promising careers in the game had flushed it all away.
What's worse? He had touched a nerve with a majority of Americans who couldn't comprehend someone fostering such a cruel practice to innocent dogs. The Hokie faithful had a hard time swallowing this, as his mark on their beloved school was forever marred. My own husband was forced to put his authentic 2000 Sugar Bowl Vick jersey in the far back of the closet, thinking it could never be worn again.In summer of 2009, rumors of Vick returning to the NFL became a reality when the Eagles signed him to a 1 year contract. Seemingly everyone, including within households is split as to whether they are against or behind Vick returning to the game. Making it even harder is his incredible performance as the Eagles starter this season. That wasn't the game plan, but fate(?) has put him in that position. Today he suffered a rib injury, but my guess is that this new Vick shouldn't be counted out this season.
My inspiration for the post and the reason that I am a converted Vick supporter is because of the interview I saw today between Vick and his former Falcons coach Jim Mora. It debuted on the NFL Network this morning and it is a MUST see. What you see is only a snipet of the 10 minutes that aired, and 50 minute exchange which was candid, heart-warming, and inspirational. Honestly, I felt a little uncomfortable watching it because I felt it was such a personal exchange. I hope he can serve as a role model for people who commit themselves to turning their life around. Despite what this guy has admittedly done, I am rooting for him...are you?
I tried to hate Vick for forever. As much as I love animals, I just couldn't get over what he did. I was talking to Jason about it one night and he said, 'You know what, he admitted he was wrong, he want to jail and paid his debt to society, and now he is trying to move on with his life.' I couldn't argue with that and now I do want him to do well. I want him to be committed to changing his life and being a better player and person.
ReplyDeleteI hated him because he was a division rival (Panthers fan) and because of what he did to innocent animals. However, he paid with almost TWO years in jail and seems to have achieved what is the stated mission of our justice system: to be rehabilitated.
ReplyDeleteHe has gone from someone who did not know what he did was so wrong to someone who seems aghast that he was like that. He owns up to all of his shortcomings and is appropriately humble.
It doesn't hurt that he is performing very well on the field and has accepted some coaching - in football and in life.
Bill Simmons wrote an emotional article about this and I loved it: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmonsnfl2010/101001.
So yes, I am rooting for him, so long as he continues behaving the way he has been. Especially on the field because I grabbed him off waivers a by week 2!