Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this?
MIchael Vick has a team, and that team will come to the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6. We in Atlanta have seen some momentous days in our time as a big-league city — we’ve played host to the Super Bowl, to the World Series, to All-Star games in three different sports, to Muhammad Ali’s return-from-exile fight against Jerry Quarry, even to an Olympiad — but we won’t have seen anything quite like this.
The saga that has in many ways divided our city will be coming to our city for one last act. The man who packed the Dome will return on an opponent’s roster. Nothing says Vick will actually play that day — he’s being signed to back up the majorly successful Donovan McNabb — but what if he does?
Will there be a Deion Sanders “This Is My House” Moment? Will Vick take a Jeff George victory lap if the Eagles win? Will Vick jerseys outnumber those shirts bearing the names and numbers of current Falcons that day in the Dome?
We cannot know the answers to any of this today, same as we couldn’t know Michael Vick would ever be an ex-Falcon. On Dec. 23, 2004, he signed the $130 million contract that was supposed to have made him a Falcon for life. On Dec. 31, 2006, he played his final game for the franchise.
And we Atlantans know all too well how the past three years have been. The Falcons hit bottom and are climbing again. Vick went to prison and is starting anew. And some of us here have turned this into a zero-sum game: If you’re for the Falcons you can no longer be for Vick, and vice versa. It is that peculiar dynamic that will be the backdrop on Dec. 6. It is that peculiar dynamic that makes some among us wonder if the massive Dome is a big enough place to hold all the emotions that will be present therein.
Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank. Now he again works in the NFL, works for another team. And that team is on the 2009 Falcons’ schedule, and that game is here. We knew this would have to come at some point, but we couldn’t know it would arrive so soon.
And now, from the distance of August, we ask: Will we be able to handle it? Will there be fights in the stands? Fights on the field? (When last the Eagles played here, on a Monday night in September 2005, there was a brawl in pregame warmups.) Will the fabric of Atlanta be rent by a single football game on that one given Sunday?
And the guess, again from a faraway perch, is that we’ll all be just fine. The crowd will be alive but not overwrought. The teams will play a game and someone will win and Vick may or may not participate, and then we’ll all get along with the rest of our lives. It’s what people do. It’s what we Atlantans have come to do rather well.
Loading ...We’re supposed to be the city too busy to hate, remember? We can also be the city big enough to root for both: We can wish Michael Vick well and still support the hometown team.
And it’s not as if we haven’t been through Big Events. Indeed, the day before the Eagles play the Falcons, there’ll be another event in the Dome that figures to stir some passions — the SEC championship. And you know what will happen after that titanic tilt? The Dome crews will sweep the aisles and redo the field markings and get ready for another game the next day.
Because, at bottom, that’s all these are. Just games.
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167 comments Add your comment
drsoul
August 14th, 2009
8:32 am
Interesting that in the sports section of the Philly paper, Vick is running just a little over 45% approval… pretty good for the situation.. of course, over 50 would be better, but the backlash is not as bad as most people would like it to be… PETA does not really hold a lot of power and once the season gets going, football will prevail over the ‘emotional’ ignorance..
Daniel
August 14th, 2009
8:33 am
Who cares?
Oh, all of these people on this blog. Well, I guess I will just go back to blogging about the Hawks and Braves. At least we talk about sports. I am sooo over michael vick. He is getting his “second chance” great. The odds are still high that it won’t work, but even if it does work for him, it will not affect my life in any way shape or form. It really scares me that there are people who still see Michael Vick as their personal Saviour. What a shame. I hugely admire Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, Steve Barkowski, etc… but none of them mean as much to me as Vick does to some people. That is a more disturbing fact than anything than Vick actually did both good and bad.
I pray that these people can find something more to fill that hole inside their soul.
QueDawg
August 14th, 2009
8:33 am
Boob from Dumblongega………………..Are you serious or is this an effort to incite? I hope it is the latter because what you posted is a tad bit on the extreme side. Please excuse my spelling errors!
Giuseppe
August 14th, 2009
8:35 am
I believe in second chances and I wish Michael Vick well in his future endeavors. With that said, I will be booing him the moment he steps on the turf at the Dome. He brought the Falcons two years of misery and to me, as a Falcon fan, he is nothing but scum. I believe one cannot be a true Falcon fan and cheer MV ever, particularly at the Dome.
I doubt MV will be playing though. If he does, it would be in some trick plays and with McNabb in the game at QB. Andy Reid knows the consequences of bringing him in the game at the Dome. There is so much at stake and the issue is so emotional, there will be behind the scenes games before the actual game starts. Reid and the owner Jeffrey Lurie know they would be disrespecting Blank if Vick plays. And in the tight NFL circles that is a no-no. I bet Goodell will have something to say before this happens.
As for what will be happening in the stands, I fully expect numerous fights. Have you ever been at a Falcons’ game? Vick lovers will be going around and looking for a challenge, no doubt. Security will be tight and I would not be surprised if Vick jerseys are banned.
YUP!!
August 14th, 2009
8:39 am
The question is………IS MIKE VICK READY FOR THIS?
falconsfaninga
August 14th, 2009
8:39 am
Falcons Sorry: IDIOT!!!
IF your going to get on a blog please learn proper English ( not to mention learn how to spell ) enough with the ebonics you racist fool!!!!
Later
QueDawg
August 14th, 2009
8:40 am
Giuseppe is ABSOLUTELY right. I doubt they will ban the jerseys and it is about MONEY AND RATINGS SO VICK WILL PLAY! It will be the most viewed game next to superbowl. I have been a season ticket holder for years I would suggest anyone who wants to boo not sit in the 100 section of the Dome!
theman
August 14th, 2009
8:46 am
I can’t wait until philly and Vick come to town. It will be the first time that I will actually attend a Falcons game wearing something other than Red White and Black. I’ll be sporting me some good ol’ Philly green with MV’s number all over it. By the way when I was growing up PETA was something that I used to piss with. Anyone associated with that group should by banded to a job working at a beef processing plant.
GO VICK!!! – YOU STILL GOT MEGA FANS IN THE ATL
Radio Listener
August 14th, 2009
8:53 am
I will be in the Dome and I will only hope the Falcons are 6-6 going into the game and a Vick led drive ends all playoff hopes for the Birds. Will that happen probably not but the fact will remain their will be MORE Vick fans in the Dome than Falcon fans, especially in the upper levels.
YUP!!
August 14th, 2009
8:53 am
GO VICK FANS……….TO PHILLY!!! LOOSERS SUPPORTING A LOOSER!
Navigator
August 14th, 2009
8:54 am
I don’t give a damn about where Michael Vick landed. However, Donovan McNabb is maybe the most underrated QB to ever play the game. He carried Philadelphia on his back with little offensive help, and now he has to deal with the Vick circus. What was Philadelphia thinking or in this case not thinking. If you sell your soul to the devil, some day soon you’ll have to pay up.
sportswoman
August 14th, 2009
8:55 am
To all the Haters… Let’s see how many empty seats there will be when he plays in Philly. Better yet, let’s see how many seats will be empty when he comes to Atlanta.
Get over it!! He has suffered enough.
That’s what I thought!!
Mac
August 14th, 2009
9:00 am
“Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank.”
Uh, nope.
Simple Simons
August 14th, 2009
9:01 am
The city that throws snowballs at Santa and welcomes Vick , deserves each other.
Barry
August 14th, 2009
9:02 am
“Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank. ” I don’t think so. Not even close. Maybe the most polarizing athlete in our city’s history. But he’s not even close to Hank Aaron, nor Greg Maddux, nor Phil Niekro, nor Dominique. Maybe the biggest Falcon, but there are contenders there. And this game can’t compare to the World Series or the Olympics.
C
August 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Wow. And I hated the Eagles before this all went down. Should be a fun night.
Go Falcons!
Jedimonk
August 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Can’t Wait for the “This is my House” moment. I will fly from DC to watch this game while wearing my #7 Eagles jersey. The look on the faces of you Rednecks will be priceless. Philly will roll through ATL like Sherman.
Michael
August 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Come on Mark. Hyperbole much? He’ll show up, get booed a bit, and mostly sit the bench. Non-story. Next.
bluto60
August 14th, 2009
9:08 am
bigger than hammerin’ hank?!? give me a break. the years of separation from that era have skewed your judgment.
vick was indeed huge. but hank aaron was historic, both for what he accomplished, the circumstance he accomplished it under, and the manner in which he handled himself. absolutely no comparison — and to even suggest vick compares to aaron is a travesty.
sl
August 14th, 2009
9:22 am
Hey “Falcons Sorry”…is the “SUPPER BOWL” the game where the two teams with the biggest players face off to see which one can eat more? I’m not sure I have ever seen a “SUPPER BOWL”…..LMAO every time you post!
S#5
August 14th, 2009
9:25 am
@Doug…..check your sources. Vick will come in at #2 because Kolb is INJURED already.
@Felix the Cat……PETA is all talk….a bunch of psycho-babbling bullies at best. Highly doubt they would spend a dime to support the team……..just like all the lames that said they would buy tickets when Vick was gone……and we see how that turned out!
But I doubt even if AB offered up a whole section for free that they would attend. It would nullify their whole argument to come to the dome where HAMBURGERS and HOT DOGS are the meal of choice and watch a game that features guys in LEATHER cleats throwing around a ball made of PIGSKIN!!!
BrianM
August 14th, 2009
9:35 am
Eagles will trade Vick to whichever team loses it’s starter. He won’t come to ATL in December.
FreeMikeVick
August 14th, 2009
9:43 am
I’ll be there with my #7 jersey. Section 214. Any of you want to say something to me, say it then.
Gravy Train
August 14th, 2009
9:43 am
Vick should be booed. He, like any other man, should have to earn back the respect of his peers and fans. Forgiving him as a person is truly the right thing to do. That’s what Jesus taught us. But as a player on the grid iron vindication and boos are fair game.
As a side note, I’ve never seen as much reverse racism since OJ got away with murder. How in the world can you turn a blind eye to the lack of character or intelligence of a man because you share the same skin color? Why do people perpetuate ignorance and stereotypes and then blame other races for it? I wont boo Vick because he’s black. I will boo him because he used his money and influence to corrupt this franchise and the minds of children who looked up to him.
Now that he’s in Philly, does that mean he will actually learn to read coverages? Will he actually spend time in the film room? Will he spend more time working on his mechanics than he does trying to look good with panty hose on his head?
I wish him well as a man. Thug life is no life at all. I hope he never forgets the pain and isolation he says he felt in prison. Maybe that will help him to choose his friends and activities more wisely.
BlankStare
August 14th, 2009
9:46 am
Blank made a big mistake in letting Michael leave Atlanta. When Philly comes to town, they’ll put Michael in the wildcat and he’ll break some big plays. Philly wins—mark it down.
Arthur Blank
August 14th, 2009
9:51 am
I’m raising the price of beer so start saving your money.
Darrin "The Vent King"
August 14th, 2009
9:52 am
We as Falcon fans should be thankful our franchise is in the shape it is in right now and not waste time in the past. Yes, Vick sent this franchise spiraling, but we have too bright a future to waste time seeking revenge or hating. That is NOT a good way to live life. Seeing people be that way shows me that we as a human race have an even longer way to go in truly being “civilized” than we think. I, for one, ALWAYS a Falcon fan first, hope Vick does well with his second chance. Thanks MB for debunking the theory that HAVE to be a fan of either the Falcons or Vick- I think that is the most silly 2-dimensional frame of thought that has come from all this. I wish Vick well in his comeback, except on Dec 6th of course! GO FALCONS
docbailey
August 14th, 2009
9:59 am
Well, well, well, you knew this was going to happen.As i read the comments, as usual this has become what your paper wanted it to be, a race issue concerning Mike Vick. Bradley opened it up with his little article and pow, the sides already have been drawn. On Dec. 6 , the ‘CITY TOO BUSY TO HATE”, will be divided between the people that look like VICK and the people that Look like RYAN. and if you don’t believe this, just read these comments. This is called, “REALITY”. Hell, If i was black, i would be pulling for Mike too.What really makes me sick are the “bleeding heart-can’t we just get along” HYPOCRITES that try to make this anything else but what the Atlanta news media wants it to be, a typical race issue…. and both narrow-minded sides have fallen into their little trap( to sell AJC papers.) If ALL the people of Atlanta were smart, no matter what you think of MV, forget it!!!! and tell the AJC to write about your team, the FALCONS , who happen to be black and white. But, growing up in Atlanta, i very seldom have seen where many of you were accused of being SMART,
jack
August 14th, 2009
10:07 am
Here’s what we know about Vick.
He is the most impressive ATHLETE who has ever played quarterback.
He is faster than almost any player (including cornerbacks) on the field.
He is an amazing runner.
He can make an average or poor team win more games by his talent.
He would almost certainly make an exceptional team lose games because he is not very good as a quarterback.
He was a poor leader.
When he left, almost none of the Falcon players even had his cell phone number.
He inspires black people to revere him and to blind themselves to his faults because they wish they could be him.
The black people who are so blind to his faults exhibit racist behavior which is unfortunate; the last thing we need as a society is more racism.
Note to black people: Not liking Vick for being sullen, and torturing and killing animals does NOT mean these white people are racist; most white people dislike anyone for exhibiting this kind of behavior. And YOU embracing him despite these characteristics is proof of YOUR racism.
Vick is an amazing athlete who happens to be a very messed up person. If he had no athletic talent, he would be another maladjusted criminal in jail.
The Falcons have a truly great quarterback in Matt Ryan. If you are a football fan, and not a racist, you will be pulling for the team of your choice, not the color of the quarterback.
mars
August 14th, 2009
10:07 am
What’s an Eagel?
mars
August 14th, 2009
10:08 am
What a maroon! What an ignoramus!
Darrin "The Vent King"
August 14th, 2009
10:12 am
BTW Gravytrain- I think the term “reverse racism” is the most outdated, prehistoric, and untrue, should not exist term in the dictionary. When you think about it-its basically saying racism is supposed to come from whites only and when it happens differently its “reversed”. Say what? I believe this is a term only Americans came up with and is an insulting term not to blacks, but to whites themselves. Listen, racism is racism no matter which direction it is coming from and this is coming from an African-American. I’ve come across racists blacks, but consider it the same evil as when whites do it- not “reversed”. What do you call it when the Japanese look down on the Chinese- “Eastern-Hemispheric-racism’? When whites say that term, to me you’re dissing yourselves…not a good look.
Been There. . . Done, well. . . just done!
August 14th, 2009
10:14 am
As to those who stated on this blog your having learned and been taught to ‘forgive’, I applaud you: a highly-charged topic such as Michael Vick stirs up a tempest of emotions, anger, flurry of comments, et. al. I highly urge everyone here to look closely at the comments of ‘Ross’. Yes, some of us have been trying to fix our own situations and coax them into a better light, thus worrying about Vick is LAST on our ‘to-do list’ of life changes we must make; however, considering murderers (especially those whose ‘works’ are most heinous) start with animals before moving on to humans, the lack of relative strength behind a sentence for dogfighting is disturbing. If it was a uniform felony among ALL U.S. states (along with animal cruelty), he would NOT be out at this point. While I (as a spiritual person) hope he INDEED has seen the errors of his former livelihood and has repented, I remain deeply concerned about his quick return to such a lucrative job. Whomever the bloggers are who stated this purely about money have at least ONE guaranteed ‘right on’ about the true motive(s) behind this signing. I only wish those who said they’ve made similar mistakes, and served prison time, are allowed similar second chances!
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
10:25 am
GO….. Mike V!!!!!, Folks did you here McNabb this morning, he told the reporter, “You will soon learn why we did this”. The show that they are going to put on here in Atlanta is going to make highlite reels worldwide. They are going to let Mike do his thing behind a real Offensive line and real support talent that Brady and the Mannings have been blessed with their whole career. I’m with Fran Tarkenton who stated this morning that he has just became an Eagles Fan, COME ON DECEMBER!!!!. “BRING IT ON MIKE AND PHILLY!!!!!!!”
Darrin "The Vent King"
August 14th, 2009
10:27 am
Note to Jack- Are the white folks that support Vick’s comeback racist’s too? Believe it or not, there are MANY that do. Supporting Vick does NOT show one is racist anymore than NOT supporting him does. Everyone has a right to their own opinion without being labeled such, to do so is being VERY short-sighted. All it shows is that people come from different walks of life, value different things, and see certain things differently- that is all. I don’t hate on anyone that does not support Vick nor do I draw a line in the sand saying you’re either with him or a racist. If a white person or black for that matter, because believe it or not their are some who do not support him also, feels that way I respect that if it is because they are offended by the crimes he committed and have that type love for animals. I can totally understand that. As an African-American myself, I do not view them as being racist and we all need to stop labeling things such ways. I truly believe, since there is nothing positive to gain from keeping him locked up can do to prevent dogfighting, having him work with the Humane Society and talking to kids at camps telling them to use him as an example of what NOT to do is the best way to move forward. He has already been made an example out of and if he is willing to tell kids that and be a spokesman against the things he did, what better way to make amends for it? Its better for them to hear that than nothing at all or the silly labels and petty race wars the rest of us adults seem to be so consumed with…I am still a big fan of the Falcons and root for that team harder than anyone, but at the same time I hope Vick makes good on his 2nd chance too. It is possible to feel both ways ya know.
REAL Falcon Fan
August 14th, 2009
10:31 am
If you are a Falcon Fan at all then VICK deserves to be booed all day long. It has nothing to do with race and it has nothing to do with his crimes. It has everything to do with what he did to his TEAM and this City. He let us down and made our franchise a joke for that one season and he needs to hear it. He needs to take out a full page ad in the AJC every day until December 6th apologizing to this City.
MrKnowGood
August 14th, 2009
10:55 am
Good commentary. But we would all do well to be reminded that the AJC, and the media in general, had a lot to do with how “divided” the city became. When the AJC allowed certain posters to use the term “thug” as a replacement for that “other” word it was completely irresponsible! And when most reasonable people thought that flicking off a fan (a fan who probably called him a “thug”) was no big deal, the AJC made it out to be the worst thing imaginable. But I guess it was all worth it – the sensationalized coverage sold a lot of papers.
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
11:17 am
PLEEEEEASE “REAL Falcon Fan”, I’ve read/followed your comments since Vick started here and you are the TRUE DEFINITION OF “HATER!!!!!!!”. You are one of the main reasons that I hope Vick comes to Atlanta and flat out “THUMP THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF NEGATIVE HATERS SUCH AS YOURSELF”. This has NOTHING to do with what part of the human race anyone is from but it has everything to do with supporting PURE HATE that you have demonstrated on the Falcons Message board over the years that Mike was here playing under some of the worst supporting caste(to include coaching staffs past coach D. Reeves) the league could present that Vick hid/made up for with his talents/gifts and had the class to keep to himself. As Mike and Philly comes thru and “THUMP THE LIVING HATE” out of Fans such as yourself. GOO!!!!!! MIKE & PHILLY!!!!!!!
atlanta falcons tickets | sodini video
August 14th, 2009
11:41 am
[...] ago; @freehawk LOL! …J.Mike’s Missives – http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/|||Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this? | Mark …I particularly don't care about the dog fighting part, however, as a Falcons fan who invest [...]
THUG LIFE
August 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
HA HA!!! NOW ALL YOU CRACKERS THAT BE HATIN’ ON MY BOY MV7 CAN JUST SHOVE IT WHERE THA SUN DON’T BE SHININ’.
THE MAN DO HIS TIME AN HE SAY HE SORRY. WHY YOU ALL CAINT LEVE HIM ALONE?
YA’LL ALL JUS BE A BUNCH OF HATERS. CAIN’T WAIT TO SEE HIM COME BACK TO THA ATL!!
IT BE FREAKNIC IN THA DOME TIME AGAIN.
NOW I BE GOIN OUT WIT MY BOY FALCON SORRY TO THA BLUE FLAME AN GET SOME WIMMINS.
HATERS!!
KP
August 14th, 2009
12:08 pm
As a season ticket holder, I will be in the house. HOWEVER, I will be wearing my Falcons jersey with the number 7 and the name Vick on the back!
Welcome back to the NFL Mike!
mano17
August 14th, 2009
12:09 pm
all i got to say is people please take your white hoods off. come on man we live in america where every man gets a second chance. mark my word the eagles will win the super bowl damn the falcons. if matt ryan goes down its over for the falcons
Faithful Falcons/Mike Vick Fan 4 Life
August 14th, 2009
12:15 pm
MIKE VICK #7 Philadelphia Eagles…when will his Jersey go on sale?
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU MIKE VICK
Rehab
August 14th, 2009
12:16 pm
Has Vick gotten a new puppy at home for companionship?
ernisTbass
August 14th, 2009
12:20 pm
I hope the Falcons finally have back to back winning seasons and get in and through the playoffs. I also hope Vick redeems himself and has a good career, just not against the Falcons on an opposing team. Mostly I hope the Eagles serve Philly Cheese Steaks on PETA er Pita bread all season at the stadium. Would Hot Dogs on Pita bread be pushing it??????
J B Stoner
August 14th, 2009
12:58 pm
Bad!
Lowkey
August 14th, 2009
1:28 pm
This going to be bigger tham freaknik!
Lowkey
August 14th, 2009
1:29 pm
This is going to be bigger than freaknik!
THUG LIFE
August 14th, 2009
1:32 pm
HEY LOW KEY I WIT YA. LETS TEAR UP THA DOME…HOLLAR.
Tee
August 14th, 2009
1:51 pm
Lynne “squeaky” Fromme was released from prison today …..And you guys are hating on Vick dont you want to blog about that Remember Charles Manson…..No of course you dont you would rather think about Michael Vick …..let the man play……Hey you let Squeaky run the streets again after that gruesome era they had……