Michael Vick has signed a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth a reported $1.6 million with a team option in 2010 worth $5.2 million. The creditors are smiling. Oh, and so is Michael Vick.
So what happens now? What should we realistically expect out of the guy? Only time will tell, so let's talk in the moment. The signing itself is HUGE. Not only for the Eagles franchise but also for the NFL. A lot of people played an important role in the signing of the former Atlanta Falcon turned Leavenworth inmate. Sports television and radio have been on Michael Vick overload over the past 24 hours since the word of the signing spread. I haven't seen this much chatter since Michael Jackson passed away a couple of months ago. Opinions vary from excitement to outrage. It seems like many people across the nation have become somewhat emotionally involved with this story. Why? Because it involves man's best friend; dogs.
What Michael Vick did was sick, wrong, disgusting, pathetic, idiotic and just plain cruel. HOWEVER, it is time the give the man a chance at redemption. He has made many mistakes in his life and now has been given the chance to try and make something better of himself. It bothers me when people, PETA, attempt to sandbag the guy after the fact. His debt to society has been paid. Some would even argue that he has more than paid that debt (see Donte Stallworth). Moving forward, people and organizations should use this as a channel to teach children lessons, not try to run someone into the ground. Michael Vick seems matured. That sounds like an oxymoron and the ultimate judgment remains TBD. To have a guy like Tony Dungy in his corner and as a mentor definitely means something. Dungy is one of the most respected men in the NFL and possibly the world. Commissionar Goodell has also given the Eagles his blessing which is huge. We will never be able to forget the crimes he committed, but now we need to let actions speak louder than words. Michael Vick has the stage, let's see how it plays out.
Tony Dungy believes in him. So should you.
Welcome back #7. Hope you prove all of the doubters wrong.
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