Sports’ 5 most remarkable comebacks (and Vick makes list)
Michael vick is a starter once again.
We all love comeback stories. It’s understandable if not everybody in Atlanta is completely embracing the Michael Vick comeback story. But if Vick’s sudden ascent to starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback turns out to be not just an aberration for the rest of his NFL career, his return to the top will go down as one of the most remarkable comeback stories in sports history.
I would put Vick’s comeback as No. 4 all-time. You may put him higher, or lower, or not at all. But here are my top 5.
♦ 1. Muhammad Ali: He was the heavyweight champion when being the heavyweight champion meant something. But he was stripped of his title after refusing induction into the army in 1967 because, as he said, “I ain’t got no quarrel against no Viet Cong.” When Ali returned to the ring three years and seven months later in Atlanta, he
Muhammad Ali: Stopped Jerry Quarry after a 3 1/2-year absence.
dropped Jerry Quarry in three rounds and eventually regained the WBA and WBC championship by knocking out George Foreman.
♦ 2. Ted Williams: He hit .327, .344, .406 and .356 in his first four major league seasons. Then he left after the 1942 season to fly as a fighter pilot in World War II, came back in 1946 and won his first of two MVP awards and the Triple Crown in 1947. He left again to fight in the Korean War, came back and immediately became an All-Star.
Ted Williams: Fighter pilot in World War II and Korea.
♦ 3. Mario Lemieux: The former Pittsburgh Penguins great took a year off (his first exit). He came back from radiation treatments and surgery for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (as well as two back surgeries). He “retired” for the first time in 1997 – despite winning the scoring title that year with a 50-goal, 122-point season. Three and a half years later, he decided to come back and had an immediate impact: 35 goals and 76 points in only 43 games in the 2000-01 season. He had a goal and two assists in his first game back.
♦ 4. Michael Vick: No athlete lost more than Vick when he went to prison, and I’m including Mike Tyson, when you take into account NFL salary, off-the-field income, career stature and personal stature. Vick’s wounds obviously were self-inflicted, but that
Mario Lemieux scored in his first game back.
makes his return to starter even more impressive because it shows he has matured and overcome personal demons.
♦ 5. Ben Hogan: Last April, Tiger Woods compared his comeback from a sex scandal to Hogan’s comeback from nearly dying in a car crash. Woods didn’t put his foot in his mouth, he put an entire shoe store in his mouth. Hogan, like Williams, missed two years on the PGA Tour to serve in War World II. But his most stunning return followed a head-on car collision with a bus in Texas in 1949. He suffered a fractured collar bone, double-fracture of the pelvis, fractures in his ankle and ribs and near-fatal blood clots. He spent two months in the hospital. Then he returned and won two Masters, three U.S. Opens and the British Open between 1950 and 1953.
You’ll notice I’m not including athletes who come back from normal sports injuries. Others high on my list included: George Foreman (boxing), Dara Torres (swimming), Michael Jordan (basketball) and Gordie Howe (hockey).
So where would you rank Vick’s ascent back to starter?
♦
SACK SCHULTZ: I’ll have an update on my slow climb to No. 1 later this week. Meanwhile, there’s still time to join the fun. Click here for more info on the weekly college football picks contest and then sign up at ajc.com/go/sack-schultz.
♦
Last few posts, on demand
♦ Richt not worried about Georgia players being in funk (yet)
♦ McGarity still calm amid storm, expresses confidence in Richt
♦ Braves’ biggest problem may be Rockies, not Phillies
♦ Matt Ryan overcomes hellish week (not that he noticed)
♦
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222 comments Add your comment
MattyB
September 22nd, 2010
8:45 am
Every one other than Vick in your top 5 accomplished great things in their respective sports after their return. Vick has accomplished nothing yet. Sorry Jeff, but personally and professionally he’s still got a long way to go in my book before I will stamp a label of redemption or resurgence on him.
Pago Pago Dawg
September 22nd, 2010
8:48 am
You forgot two other great role models….oj and tiger. Pretty funny.
WonderDawg
September 22nd, 2010
8:50 am
PJ, did you feel that way about Jeffrey Dahmer too, or this just about animals? Just curious.
FALCON FAN
September 22nd, 2010
8:54 am
My two favorite teams each week: The Falcons and whoever is playing the Eagles. I hope someone breaks mikey vick in two before the season ends and some low morale owner (Lurie) throws rediculous dollars at him.
PJ for Governor
September 22nd, 2010
8:58 am
WonderDawg, I could only dream that the same thing that happened to Dahmer happens to vick. In fact, it would be even better if vick meets Dahmer in hell, where both will/have assuredly end up.
Jacket 89
September 22nd, 2010
9:01 am
Schultz, this is the worst article you have ever written. In the midst of all the great college and football stories going on that you could discuss, you come up with this? Really? Go back to the keyboard and try thinking before you type this time.
mountain_jim
September 22nd, 2010
9:03 am
It does appear true that Mark and Jeff seized on this opportunity for certain controvery and page views and comments. After all, it works every time MV7 is written about in Atlanta. MV7 does need to play at this level over more than 6 quarters and continue to say and do the right things for much longer before he belongs on this top 5 list, imho.
MWC
September 22nd, 2010
9:04 am
Glad Vick has turned his life around. Having said that, no way he belongs on this list. Not even close.
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:04 am
Benjamin — I completely understand that position. Let me just say this: For the longest time, Muhammad Ali was hated by the majority of people for his war stance. I am not equating his decision to avoid the draft with dog fighting, but over time a lot of people softened their stance on him.
Bourne
September 22nd, 2010
9:05 am
Including Vick on this list makes as much sense as giving Obama the Nobel peace price.
MWC
September 22nd, 2010
9:05 am
Gotta agree with Jacket 89. Not some of your best work JS…
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:06 am
Reid — I agree. This list is based on Michael Vick remaining a starting quarterback and playing at the level we used to see him play at (and the level he’s played at the last 2 weeks).
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:07 am
Najeh Davenpoop — Thanks for the clarification. I kind of figured when I put this list together some people might jump in the wrong direction but I understand.
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:08 am
Ted Striker — I considered Armstrong. He would’ve been top 10. Hadn’t thought about Magic, to be honest with you, but he certainly ranks up there also.
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:10 am
Tbones — Foreman is a great story. But it was one punch over Michael Moorer. He lost every round of the fight. (I was there.)
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:11 am
JSS — Way to go old school with Grover Cleveland Alexander.
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:15 am
JSS — Dude! What I think of women? I love women. Yeesh, just because I’m not a WNBA fan doesn’t mean I’m opposed to women sports. … Context of story were athletes who were at great level, overcame something strange, bizarre beyond injuries, then came back. But Zaharis, Rudolph, others obviously all great stories. … Hey, if we venture to athletic injuries, how many are ahead of Tommy John, who has a surgery named after him.
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:15 am
Scottc — Thanks. Wipe your chin.
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:17 am
UGA_B– Ted Williams is a great story. But come on, how can you equate Vick with Corey Dillon’s “comeback”?
Jeff Schultz
September 22nd, 2010
9:18 am
Jacket89 — Worst ever, really? Wow. Have a nice day.
CONFEDERATE DAWG
September 22nd, 2010
9:22 am
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DAHMER VICTIMS AND DOGS…..DAHMER WAS LURING CREEPS HE ME IN BATHROOMS AND OTHER STRANGE SITUATIONS…… I GOLDEN RETRIEVER ADOPTED FROM THE POUND THEN DROPPED IN A RING AND RIPPED TO SHREDS BY A PITBULL HAD NO CHOICE OR DECISTION…. THE SECOND VICK GOT HIS HANDS ON THESE DOGS THEY WERE DEAD MEAT… SAME WITH PEOPLE HURTING KIDS… KIDS AND ANIMALS HAVE NO CHOICE OR SAY IN WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM….
Tucker T
September 22nd, 2010
9:28 am
Very premature to call Vick’s comeback one of the greatest of all time. If he remains the starter the rest of the season and guides the Eagles to the playoffs then I will agree with you. If he plays decent but not great and the Eagles miss the playoffs then I don’t agree. By the way, it’s unbelievable what Williams did. Fought for his country in two wars and still remained the best hitter of all time?!? Just think what his numbers would be if he had not gone off to war.
Who Makes Cropcircles ? | ufo-tv.com
September 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
[...] Sports' 5 most remarkable comebacks (and Vick makes list) | Jeff … [...]
On the bus.
September 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
Okay im on it. MIKE VICK>MATT RYAN
Idot
September 22nd, 2010
9:43 am
If Vick has not been injured or demoted by the time that the Falcons get to the Eagles, I hope that the Falcon can stuff him under the turf.
blord
September 22nd, 2010
9:48 am
Vick is still in the process of a comeback so I don’t really think he belongs on this list yet. Putting his name on here sparks interest so I get it but he has started one game to this point. He could end up being a great comeback story but there are still many chapters to write. I’m pulling for him but I don’t think he should have been on this list. I think Betty White’s comeback has been more impressive to this point.
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
9:50 am
@ Jeff Schultz…
See there, getting all personal ‘-)
I said: “I don’t care what most of you think of women, those are astonishing feats.” Now by now, you know I want to call you out, I’ll do it by name… That was a general statement to a portion of your readers who discount “any and all” women and their sports. I hope that clarifies that statement… And as a former 4 min. 1500 racer, I still think Benoit winning the Olympic Trials 17 days after knee surgery is the greatest I’ve ever seen…
On Tommy John, I think Dr. Frank Andrews should get the credit there… No tendon replacement, no career…
Idot
September 22nd, 2010
9:50 am
Got to get the hits on this blog.
JP for Governor
September 22nd, 2010
10:07 am
Confederate Dawg: Thanks for explaining what should be obvious. Shows Dawgs and Jackets can agree on something.
On the Bus: You are obviously on the Short Bus.
Idot: Agree 100%, will be really nice to do it in front of the clowns in this town that still show up at the dome with Falcon Vick jerseys. Just think, Mr. Blank will get to wheel Vick out in a wheel chair again. Hope they have a small enough body bag to fit the wittle convict.
DawginLex
September 22nd, 2010
10:12 am
The gutsiest thing I ever saw was Dave Dravecky come back and pitch after his cancer. His arm literally broke off on the mound.
Gatorman
September 22nd, 2010
10:20 am
My sentiment is simple, glad it’s happening at Philly, couldn’t be a nicer place. A faction of players went to the coach and asked him to start Vick, no matter. Sound familiar, I see the coach getting canned after this year when the team self destructs.
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
I always laugh when folks still stuck in the Vietnam “Merle Haggard” era go all bunkers about “draft dodging. These same people who pray at the altar of a bunch of the biggest draft dodgers in the history… Ali did not dodge the draft, a draft dodger runs from the consequences. He reported to the Draft board. He placed a Conscientious objection. The NY Boxing Commission were the ones who overstepped their mandate. It was stupid then, and it is stupid now. The Supreme Court of NY said just that…
Here’s a list of all those great, flag lapel wearing, Freedom Fry eating Americans who so eagerly volunteered or came forward when their name was called to serve their country and fight in the trenches.. Oops and the name of those who didn’t too…
http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2010/Info/military-service.html
Take that garbage over to Wooten where it belongs!
Jacket 89
September 22nd, 2010
10:24 am
Coach killer returns. This guy woulda gotten Lombardi, Walsh, and Gibbs canned. Philly truly is such a nice and deserving setting.
Not Disappointed
September 22nd, 2010
10:28 am
I love this one Jeff! Really a good one!
TXDawg (The Real TXDawg)
September 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
What about Michael Jordan, doesn’t he garner consideration??
GTBob – I agree with you on the Josh Hamilton nod, that was amazing.
BugKiller – I don’t remember Vick being medically diagnosed as a sociopath. You obviously need to open your eyes a little bit more to the variations of life within the USA, let alone the whole world. Based on your repeated comments (yes I’ve seen many of them) I would presume you haven’t been exposed to much in life outside of the community you were raised.
Mike in Marietta
September 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
How do you put Ali at number 1. He simply was stripped of his title and won it back. Yes he was great but didn’t overcome much adversity in that one. Jordan who didnt make the list retired and then came back to win 3 straight world titles.
vafalconfan
September 22nd, 2010
10:41 am
Don’t see how Vick can be mentined in the same sentence with Ted WIlliams, Ben Hogan, etc. He ran a gambling/dog killing ring and lied to anyone who would listen. He was not injured, or serving his country or anything like that. Self inflicted injury by a fool. And this is not over. Let’s see how he fares against the better teams. One Detriot Lion victory is hardly anything to brag about.
Paddy
September 22nd, 2010
10:41 am
I would rank Vick last, no how many people you put on that list. He is not news in this town!!!
TXDawg (The Real TXDawg)
September 22nd, 2010
10:43 am
PJ you need serious help and it can’t be found on this blog.
I vote Najeh Davenpoop for President with JSS as his running mate. Keep on regulating Poop.
Another thought Jeff….Vick should be bumped up to #1 if he comes all the way back and resecures that Mega-Nike contract (commercials and all).
bt53us
September 22nd, 2010
10:51 am
I can’t believe you’d have a list of comeback athletes that didn’t include Lance Armstrong…beating cancer………yet still winning one of the most strenuous competitions in the world…..not just once, but several times…..
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
10:53 am
@ Mike in Marietta…
Ali was stripped of more than his title. It is not like today when a person can possibly have outside income streams and multiple media opportunities. The War Hawks and the Right Wing of Democrat and Republicans were after him day and night. Death threats, the FBI surveillance and harassment of him and his wife. You made you money back then in gate, after crooked Arum and King got their cuts. Imagine going 4 years without a job… If it had not been for the modest speaking fees that he made and kept him in the public eye; he would have been Joe Louis, living on the largess of mobsters as a little showcase piece.
zorro
September 22nd, 2010
11:03 am
OCT 17 will tell the tale, i’ll take RYAN anyday of the week!!!!!!!
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
11:07 am
I’m sorry, but Joey Harrington was a “Coach Killer!” Marty Morhinweg, Steve Mariucci, Dick Jauron, Rod Marinelli, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron, Bobby Petrino, and Emmitt Thomas…
dap01
September 22nd, 2010
11:08 am
You can’t compare a comeback after serving in war or overcoming an illness to coming back from a getting caught in crime. His life is filled with slime in every area and he is praised? He would still be doing that except he was caught. His financial dealings were also filled with deception and sleeze.
Vick should not be held up in anyway. Ali should not as well. I love Ali, but he refused to serve his country.
Can’t you Mark, find better example of “Great Comebacks”?
Perhaps we could praise Bill Clinton for morals?
dap01
September 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
Jeff, you should look a little harder before writing on men with great comebacks.
dap01
September 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
Weak……
dap01
September 22nd, 2010
11:11 am
One (1) win against the Lions is memerable?
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
11:24 am
@ Dap01…
Clinton helped raise a hell of daughter…
Dawglasville
September 22nd, 2010
11:33 am
I am happy for Vick. I love redemption stories. I hope he does well and stays on the right path.
It is amazing how race still moves the meter. Vick has been the talk on radio for the past two days. Listeners are baited into the Vick vs Ryan debate. Somehow Matt Shaub, who may be the best quarterback of the three, mysteriously gets left out of the argument.
reebok
September 22nd, 2010
11:34 am
a couple of profeesional cyclists should make the list…Greg Lemond after being shot in a hunting accident, came back to win 2 more Tours…and of course Armstong after the cancer that almost killed him. i love Ali, but he simply had a hiatus…I certainly don’t think it was one of the great comebacks.