Michael Vick: ‘There’s no question this is a blessing from God’
Wednesday's Philly Daily News makes the obvious joke.
Philadelphia – Michael Vick arrived in Atlanta knowing the Falcons would someday be his team to run. He signed with the Eagles last August assured of nothing except a paycheck and a chance. But there he stood Wednesday, ringed at his locker by a media throng 50 members strong, a sign bearing the words “Walk Your Talk!” above his head.
There he stood, again an NFL starting quarterback.
“I’m very gratified to have this opportunity,” Vick said. “I’m very humbled by it.”
And that, it must be said, is how he seemed. This isn’t the cocksure No. 7 who came to the Falcons looking to revolutionize his position. Too much scar tissue has formed, the bulk of it self-inflicted. Michael Vick is 30 now, and he has been to jail. There was never a guarantee that he would work another day in the only league that matters, let alone run another team.
“Plenty of times,” he said, “I doubted I’d have [this] opportunity.”
But now he does. In a move that left the Philadelphia media in high dudgeon, Eagles coach Andy Reid announced Tuesday night that he was promoting Vick over Kevin Kolb, whom Reid had insisted was his starter no matter what.
On Wednesday at the team’s practice facility, Reid was roasted for what were cast as a series of lies. That was OK, Reid said: “I can handle this.” And there was, he maintained, a greater point: “This is nothing about Kevin Kolb. This is all about Michael Vick and the way he has played the game. He has played as outstanding as any quarterback in the league to this point.”
Vick took over for a concussed Kolb and rallied the Eagles in an opening loss to Green Bay. Last Sunday he started and generated 35 points in a narrow victory over Detroit. He has looked like the Vick of old, only better.
Reid: “Michael Vick has surprised all of us with his play. I’m proud of him … He has busted his tail working at some of the things he wanted to get better at doing — like feeling pressure and subtly moving away but staying in the pocket, like scrambling but keeping his eyes downfield and making the throw.”
The elder Jim Mora, father of the Falcons’ then-coach, wondered on radio if Vick was “a coach-killer.” Among more nuanced offensive minds, Vick has long been regarded as the most tantalizing figure in the sport — the fastest quarterback ever with one of the strongest arms in the sport. Bobby Petrino was so besotted by Vick that he told an associate the 2007 Falcons would average 30 points a game, but that chapter, alas, went unwritten. Vick was indicted before training camp and never played a down for Petrino.
And now it’s Reid, long regarded as one the game’s great schemers, who has Vick at his disposal. “I didn’t appoint him [the starter] for one week,” the coach said. Indeed, Reid has invested a huge amount of political capital in this stunning choice. If Vick fails, Reid might fall.
Will Vick fail? “I know what I can do,” he said. “But until you get out there, you’re not sure you can make the plays you’re capable of making.”
Many will see Vick as the villain, the confessed slayer of dogs. (I cringed when a reporter asked Reid if Vick “would be kept on a short leash” in Sunday’s game at Jacksonville.) But the man has paid his debt, and he has it within him to write a truly stirring redemption song.
Said Vick: “I always reflect on things that happened in the past. A lot of situations could have been avoided. I put myself in those situations.”
Also this: “Everything I’ve been through has made a stronger individual. I’m trying to rise like the phoenix.”
Then this: “There’s no question this is a blessing from God.”
Having known Michael Vick for nearly a decade, I can say that he as a younger man never felt anything could go wrong. He knows better now. I believe he will do everything in his power to make this second chance go right. I believe he’s going to make it after all.
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212 comments Add your comment
ReddJonn68
September 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
This is all about racism on some of these posts, you have guys still running around America black & white that have actually been involved with the death of a human being,yet are out on parole. Why do any sports fan that really enjoys any sports bring up mostly negative things about black athletes, I will tell you why it’s the way they were raised, as racists.
That same old mentality that held true during the 50s & 60s pre civil rights is prevalent now. The tasteless headline “Top Dog” is playing the race card. I turns my stomach to know that after serving my country, during the Panama conflict & the first Desert Storm, that people are such dimwits. My thing is you have the right to say what you want, but don’t let color be the first thing out your mouth.The NFLs Paul Horning & Alex Karras were way out of line yet, still went on to have very successful outside careers after their debacle with no backlash.
Turtsnap
September 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
I am of the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Mr. Vick definitely does. I am a Dog lover, and was shocked with all the Michael Vick dog fighting discoveries. I do, however, believe he was made an example of. He gets 2 years for killing dogs, and Donte Stallworth gets what, 90 days, for killing another human being? Unreal!!
Anyway, good luck to Mike Vick. I hope he has learned from his mistakes
ELVISKL
September 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
I PRAY TO GOD THAT THE FALCONS BREAK HIS LEGS OFF…..
Najeh Davenpoop
September 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
The best take on this decision by Andy Reid that I’ve seen so far came from Clark Judge at cbssports.com. I’m on my phone right now so I’m not going to bother linking it, but basically he says this decision is the best thing that could have happened to Kolb; if he had been handed the job back and played poorly, the notoriously tough Eagles fans may have turned on him and shattered his confidence in the long term. In effect, Reid is shifting the pressure from the inexperienced Kolb to the veteran Vick and himself. I can see why Kolb appears as a sympathetic figure here, but I think this will benefit him in the long run.
Peter
September 22nd, 2010
3:19 pm
Well Mike was the coach killer…..didn’t show up on time for practice…he like to party way too much, didn’t apply himself at learning the playbook, or the defensive schemes.
Today Mike is most likely a different person….. He has to grow up the hard way by falling on his face.
I wish him success, cause he will have to earn it now the hard way with work and dedication…..he is talented no doubt, but as he gets older the talent will not be enough, especially if he wants the Big Prize !
Peter
September 22nd, 2010
3:21 pm
HA HA HA HA UGABugKiller calling the kettle Black there buddy……. what are you killing today Mr Sociopath ?
count_schemula
September 22nd, 2010
3:21 pm
Reid is paid to win. If he thinks he can win with Vick, that’s what he thinks. I have not seen any post prison Vick game video I doubt he’s still the fastest and quickest man in the NFL, so, it would not surprise me if he was a better “quarterback” now, than he was in Atlanta. Yeah, Vick killed dogs and miraculously found god. He’s not the first and he won’t be the last. It only matters if he truly realizes that this is an opportunity and that he feels blessed over it because, in prison, when he was crying himself to sleep, and make no mistake, this man cried in prison, he knew it was over. I don’t really know why so many of you think he should have gotten a job moving furniture after he got out of prison.
ReddJonn68
September 22nd, 2010
3:23 pm
I own 2 dogs & it seems kinda strange to me that, Vick has been getting a good share great Karma. Oh wait maybe its the fact that after being punished, all the bad hateful Karma sent his way is really creating a lot of the opportunities that come his way.
FALCONS SORRY
September 22nd, 2010
3:31 pm
ALL HATERS! MV7 THE MAN IS BACK AND HE HERE TO STAY! MIKE HAS OVERCUM EVER THING THAT ALL THE HATERS HAS THROWED AT HIM AND HE STILL STANDING! HE STILL STRONG! YOU PHILDELPHIA EAGELS HAVE JUST PUNCH YOUR TICKET TO THE SUPPER BOWL BY NAME YOUR REAL QB AND LETTING HIM LEAD YOU TO THE PROMISE LAND! YOU PHILLY FANS LUCKY TO HAVE A GOOD OWNER AND A SMART COACH THAT KNOW THE BEST PLAYER TO EVER STEP ON A FOOTBALL FEILD WHEN THEY SEE IT! THAT NO GOOD SNAKE AND LIER AUTHUR BLANK STAB HIM IN THE BACK JUST LIKE JUDAS! YOU ARE GOING TO GET YOURS BLANK! VICK DESTROYED YOU AND YOUR SORRY WORTHLESS TEAM LAST DECEMBER AND HE WILL DO IT AGAIN TOO! MV7 IS BACK LARGE AND IN CHARGE ONCE MORE AND THE ON FEILD NFL GENERAL HE WAS BORN TO BE! MIKE IS SELLING OUT STADIUMS AND GETTING THE TV RATING FOR THE NFL LIKE NO OTHER PLAYER THAT EVER LIVE HAS OR CAN DO! HE SHOWED ALL THE HATERS WHO REALLY OWN THE ATL AND WHO OWN THE DOME! VENGENCE WAS SERVE AND YOU DID NOT LIKE BLANK! ONCE AGAIN THIS YEAR MIKE VICK IS GOING TO RUN THROUGH YOU AND YOUR TEAM LIKE AN OAT BRAN MUFFIN BLANK! YOU STILL OWN THIS TOWN MIKE! WE WILL FOLLOW WHERE EVER YOU SEE FIT TO LEAD US! YOU ALL KNOW THAT IS STRAIGHT TO THE SUPPER BOWL IN MIAMI! PACK YOUR BAGS AND GET READY TO LIFT THAT BIG TROPHY EAGELS FANS!
Lou
September 22nd, 2010
3:34 pm
An incredible break-out game……..against Detroit!
Empty Seat at Turner Field
September 22nd, 2010
3:37 pm
…just another empty seat sitting here twiddling my thumbs — its tough being here all year and literally having no one sit in me — I did hear that for the last series of the year, a real fan, a Phillies Fan, might sit in me, I’m So Excited!!!! Yeah!
Empty Seat at Turner Field
September 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
why does no one sit in me?? what did I do?????
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
@ Peter and Najeh…
BugKiller has gone over the deep edge… I warned him when he was on his rants and supposition way back when Vick was sentenced that he was threading in mental instability with his obsession. That and Willie Martinez, it just sad to watch…
Bob Horner's Bloonde Mullet
September 22nd, 2010
3:39 pm
Falcons Sorry: Why don’t you make your way to the locker room so you can sniff his jock strap? Heck, he might even let you give him a reacharound! I’ve never heard anyone verbally blow someone quite like you can.
“The best player to ever step on a football field?” Looks like SOMEONE’S got a bit of a man-crush going.. don’t they, sweetheart?
ReddJonn68
September 22nd, 2010
3:42 pm
@ UGABugKiller I’m not condoning dog fighting in any capacity, but here’s a quick history lesson for UGABugKiller ! Dogfightting originated in America in 1817, but the first known civilization to do it was China. The United Kennel Club was the first to sanction fighting & even hired referees. So I guess what knucklehead the same kennel club that is renown for dog shows of the best dogs in the world is responsible for dogfighting as well as the Pilgrims. So I guess the same men that founded this country are thuggish sociopaths. You moron get a life, lol
Empty Seat at Turner Field
September 22nd, 2010
3:43 pm
will someone please condone a fan sitting in me once in awhile????
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
Kolb will be fine, it did hurt Billy Kilmer to be benched. It did not destroy Bart Starr. It didn’t crush Jeff Hostetler. It saved Steve Young from himself. Did it make Roger Staubach crawl into a hole and give up? Did Unitas turn and high tail it when Shula benched him? If he’s a man, he’ll dust himself off and realize anything is possible. He’s got a living example in the same lockeroom.
yodaddy
September 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
Besotted? Dudgeon???
I know you wanna try to spice up the writing but come on man.
JSS
September 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
@ Falcon Sorry…
You know we don’t always agree on style’ but man, you called this from minute number one… So how does feel to be vindicated to this point?
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
Vick doesn’t play for Atlanta and he is not playing against the Falcons this week. I DON’T CARE ANYTHING ABOUT MIKE VICK!!!!!
gdg73
September 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
Headed to Jacksonville for the weekend? I’ll watch the Falcons at 1:00 and root for Vick at 4:00. This might be a pretty good weekend afterall.
Ghost of Dan Stryzinski
September 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
“MIKE HAS OVERCUM EVER THING THAT ALL THE HATERS HAS THROWED AT HIM AND HE STILL STANDING! YOU PHILDELPHIA EAGELS HAVE JUST PUNCH YOUR TICKET TO THE SUPPER BOWL BY NAME YOUR REAL QB AND LETTING HIM LEAD YOU TO THE PROMISE LAND!”
It’s true what they say: college isn’t for everyone.
Time
September 22nd, 2010
4:02 pm
Go Mike Vick. I hate what you did, but you paid a heavy price and I’m truly rooting for you to succeed and believe you have learned your lesson. Don’t let the hypocritical hatred of a bunch of people who hate on you during the week, then spend their weekends in a treestand blasting away at Bambi get to you.
I’m now rooting for the Falcons and Eagles to win SB’s.
Lindsey
September 22nd, 2010
4:08 pm
Very disappointed in this article. I know that everyone makes mistakes in life and I will be the first to admit I am not perfect. But Michael Vick made a conscious decision to torture and kill those dogs. He is sick.
dean
September 22nd, 2010
4:08 pm
Blank stabbed Vick in the back??!!!!!!!!! FalconsSorry is just plain sorry.
Retarded person that still wears a Vick jersey to home games
September 22nd, 2010
4:17 pm
I just don’t get it…..Really. I should idolize Warrick Dunn. A great player and even greater person, but since I am a backwards, idiotic, demanding entitlement retard, I will still idolize Vick and wear his jersey to home games. I justify this by blaming the Falcons and not seeing the truth….Mike Vick is a bad person.
Hungry
September 22nd, 2010
4:22 pm
Where exactly is the SUPPER BOWL? I’ve never eaten there. Is it good?
A blessing from God?
September 22nd, 2010
4:25 pm
So, god sees it fit for Vick to brutally kill dogs? Vick said it’s a blessing from God…..If you all believe that, then you are brain dead…..First, there is no god, and if there was this wonderful invisible man in the sky…..Would he allow Vick to commit those horrendous acts?
A blessing from God? ?
September 22nd, 2010
4:34 pm
Oh there is a God and he allows free choice and free will.
Love the new PC term.."FOR NOW"
September 22nd, 2010
4:38 pm
I’m glad my great grandpa used to beat & whip Vick’s granny back in the day while she was pickin his cotton.
MV77777!11
September 22nd, 2010
4:43 pm
M
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A
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#
1
A
G
A
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LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MV77777!11
September 22nd, 2010
4:44 pm
HATTERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
MV77777!11
September 22nd, 2010
4:45 pm
HATERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
MV77777!11
September 22nd, 2010
4:46 pm
HATERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSLOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
MV77777!11
September 22nd, 2010
4:48 pm
I’M #1 AGAIN
BI@#HES…………………….
Ron E.
September 22nd, 2010
4:48 pm
So God is blessing Mike Vick by causing Kevin Kolb to have a concussion? What did Kolb ever do to God to deserve that, I wonder?
Raider
September 22nd, 2010
4:54 pm
Vick will fall into temptation again – just wait. People do not change. Remember kids….”ONCE
Raider
September 22nd, 2010
4:56 pm
I am really hoping for Vick #7 to fail. I can’t wait to see a hungry DE or LB to put a highlight of the week season-ending hit on him. It’ll be great. It’s comin boy….just wait.
PMC
September 22nd, 2010
4:56 pm
Ron. He’s thanking God for the opportunity. That’s what he’s saying.
PMC
September 22nd, 2010
4:57 pm
It’s kind of funny anyone with the name “Raider” is talking about beating anyone.
Doesn’t Al Davis need a rub down about now?
count_schemula
September 22nd, 2010
4:58 pm
It took longer than I thought it would for this thread to completely fall apart.
Snoopy
September 22nd, 2010
5:04 pm
All the Best to you Michael!!!
Kudo’s for making it back into the LEAGUE!!
Go #7!!!
(I feel like a minority, as I’m one of the few white folks that has outwardly supported MV!)
gadawgs
September 22nd, 2010
5:07 pm
Dang..do you think Terrell, Falcons Sorry & MV7 are happy about this latest series of events. Geez guys you act like yall were “cellies” at one point if you get my drift. Did you even get kissed afterward? I for one do not have a problem with him being given another chance and I am happy for him. He paid his debt and he lost alot. I hope he is successful unless he plays the Falcons. But do not for one minute paint Falcons fans, Arthur Blank or the city of Atlanta as the bad guys here. That falls squarely on Mike. He turned his back and crapped all over us, not the other way around.
Timbo
September 22nd, 2010
5:08 pm
ok.
Timbo
September 22nd, 2010
5:09 pm
oh yeah, Go Falcons.
BIRD DAWG
September 22nd, 2010
5:10 pm
WHY ISNT’T IT THIS SIMPLE? I LIKED VICK WHEN HE WAS A FALCON. I AM A FALCON FAN. HE DID VERY BAD THINGS. HE ISNT A FALCON ANYMORE. I DONT LIKE HIM ANYMORE. I AM A FALCON FAN.
SEEMS TOO SIMPLE I GUESS
Timbo
September 22nd, 2010
5:10 pm
They do play this week.
Timbo
September 22nd, 2010
5:11 pm
Right Mark? The Falcons do play this week. Last time I checked they played our division rival the New Orlean Saints this week, not the Eagles.
Sid
September 22nd, 2010
5:12 pm
Paper or plastic sack heads, we are nuts over your women http://tinyurl.com/2bsh9p2
Sack heads talkin some kinda smack
Falcons gonna beat them with a ground attack
Brew Wheeze will be taken down
gonna get hurt when he hits the ground
Bush got his leg broke it’s just the beginning
Aint’s fans heads are gonna be spinning
talk all you want but that was last year
we are flyin’ at you like a bombardier
After we embarrass you with a shot to the solar plexus
So sorry we won’t see you in Arlington, Texas
Have a Nice Day!
Timbo
September 22nd, 2010
5:13 pm
Go Falcons.