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
Seal the Deal on the Phils
September 22nd, 2010
5:15 pm
here is the truth..had the Prosecutors not had Vick on VIDEO approving, smiling and laughing while dogs were being executed and drowned, Vick’s defense would have denied the whole d@mn thing and Vick would have been sorry for nothing and not even blinked an eye about any of it. What can you do when they have the proof on video. Lowest of lows in life are animal and child abusers and to laugh and think it is funny on top of it. Demonized worship at its finest. Sickening. You want to know why the Defense pled guilty and Vick went on to jail to serve his time with no arugument, that was why. You people can praise this cr@p until the cows come home, I curse the Eagles.
Falconmike
September 22nd, 2010
5:22 pm
The Mike Vick I remember started his career on top of the world, took it for granted and didn’t care what was left in his own wake. He also didn’t work hard and the results showed on the field with bad qb play.
He might do well initially as the starter in Philly, but comfortability will breed content.
He will revert back the poor qb he was… it’s just a matter of time.
Fartin Luther
September 22nd, 2010
5:30 pm
There is NO cure for a sociopathic personality disorder Bradley.You are either born with the ability to feel empathy or you are not.You CANNOT teach somebody to have a conscience.
Mike Vickk
September 22nd, 2010
5:34 pm
Mike Vick do good
Mike Vick read play book now.
Mike Vick will hurt hammy soon , so Kolb you wont sit too long.
Mike Vick scatter run
I am Mike Vick dammit
JOHN
September 22nd, 2010
5:46 pm
GO VICK . DO YOUR TRICK .
JOHN
September 22nd, 2010
5:51 pm
I HAD NOT SAID ANY THING ABOUT VICK BEFORE . YOU ARE A A—
Robby D
September 22nd, 2010
6:00 pm
Only the real coloreds on this comment thread type in all caps. Go back to the ghetto in your 1500 dollar car with 6000 dollar rims.
we do right bayou
September 22nd, 2010
6:04 pm
Falcons will blast the Saints out of the water IN THEIR HOUSE, and when the bayou trolls vanish from the blogs, WHO DAT? will turn into WHERE DEY AT??
JASon
September 22nd, 2010
6:19 pm
Good job, Mark. Its funny how the major national sports media is criticizing Vick right now, now that he is seeing success again. That is basically a confession that they are doing it for attention, because they know it is a polarizing issue. Well, lets be honest, you and schultz are doing it for attention too, but at least you have a history with him and are supporting him.
From the Sheets to the Keyboard
September 22nd, 2010
6:22 pm
@ Robby D, put the sheets back in the closet of your trailer home. RACIST…@$$HOLE!
itpdude
September 22nd, 2010
6:38 pm
Bradley, you are still kissing up to Vick.
He’s not humble. He’s putting on an act.
jesse
September 22nd, 2010
6:40 pm
UGA Bugkiller….get a life and get off of that soap box…..your comments make sense only to nitwits like your self. God Bless MV7!!!!!
Bill Baird
September 22nd, 2010
6:42 pm
It is quite a set of values we have adopted in this country. High profile athletes/entertainers deal drugs, rape women, and even are involved in homicides. What happens? They continue to perform/play without challenge. A man kills some dogs (yes it is a terrible and sick thing), PETA gets involved, the media plays along and we put a man in federal prison pay the bill and demonize him as a “hitler”????? Get real people. We have lost our way and real thugs keep walking the sidelines and shooting commercials every day!
TheTruthHurts
September 22nd, 2010
6:47 pm
Vick will fail miserably ad I will laugh at the loser dog killer……..your a fake a phony and this will be your downfall…..I will just sit and laugh when it happens DOG KILLER!!!
huckleberry
September 22nd, 2010
6:52 pm
go Vick! Great to see a come-from-behind story
sknfan
September 22nd, 2010
6:53 pm
All you people wishing Vick success are idiots. Bug Killer has it right. Vick is indeed a sociopath. Its more than dog fighting. He tortured and killed dogs who were too timid to fight. There is something seriously wrong with a person who can do that.
I would rather the Falcons lose every game then to have that snimal murdering thug back in Atlanta.
asfjasfj
September 22nd, 2010
7:01 pm
vick is a con man
hopefully a drunken NFL wide receiver runs you over crossing the street shortly – you’re not needed on the planet – much less able to speak. F OFF
asfjasfj
September 22nd, 2010
7:02 pm
too bad he killed dogs and didnt kill TheTruthHurts
dolphin
September 22nd, 2010
7:04 pm
those with comments against vick are just jealous he’s having success with a balanced team somewhere else and they have to watch the most boring quarterback in the league. At least Vick had swagger and personality. “Mattyice” is just lame…..
Real American
September 22nd, 2010
7:09 pm
Vick still rules the Atlanta airwaves and media sites. LMAO
stephanie
September 22nd, 2010
7:21 pm
OK so he has murdered dogs with his OWN hands. he has no remorse he is only sorry because he got caught. You wait, MAYBE he will keep up the good work while hes in the business but you watch, once hes out he’ll be back to his old routines. He will never change. All you supporters saying he deserves a 2nd chance….. do you know how many people out there have been convicted of a felony, just for something as simple as burglary when they were 19 yrs old and now can NEVER get a decent job? This man is a murderer and should be paying the same price as others. Why dont we just give charles manson a 2nd chance while we’re at it? GOD YOU PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID!!!!!!!!!
tim
September 22nd, 2010
7:25 pm
Hey Mike Vick…..Stop with your crap……You HAVEN’T been blessed cuz God knows who you REALLY are. He doesn’t waste his time with low life druggie dog killers!
LadyNSmyrna
September 22nd, 2010
7:42 pm
I’m so happy for Mike Vick. Haters go to hell! You and your dogs. You people obviously think a dog’s life is worth more than a human’s life. F#@$ Off! The more you wish a black man fail, the more Vick will succeed! Get over it!
Zamboni_Racer
September 22nd, 2010
7:44 pm
I’m happy for Vick, always thought he was a great NFL QB and missed him during the dark times. His personal life was shabby, but so are a lot of other NFL stars, just the nature of the beast. Looking forward to seeing some more exciting football with Vick taking the snaps for Philly.
Atl Resident
September 22nd, 2010
8:12 pm
vick is a con man
September 22nd, 2010
1:47 pm
Anyone who would do what conVIC has done to a dog has a basic personality flaw….the kind of flaw that we see serial killers have as children. He is always going to have that flaw even if he hides it for awhile. Vick is a con artist and Philly Fans will be sorry they backed him.
Atl Resident
September 22nd, 2010
8:14 pm
Can we stop hating on this damn guy? Hell, if I was Reid and need to win I would start Vick too, the hell with that.
Ackshun
September 22nd, 2010
8:18 pm
The Michael Vick Experience version 2.0 (and the word from Flowery Branch, DAMN we got to play this guy in two weeks). My 3 favorite teams, 1) Atlanta Falcons 2)Whoever the Saints are playing 3) Mike VICK and the Philadelphia EAGLES.
Mark Bradley
September 22nd, 2010
8:23 pm
Double
Mark Bradley
September 22nd, 2010
8:24 pm
Not sure McLouth knew where he was sliding
What's Important
September 22nd, 2010
9:12 pm
LadyNSmyrna, no one has to wish the black man to fail. Your constant playing the race card as an excuse for everything does that for you.
kennjoh
September 22nd, 2010
9:36 pm
To Vick as a con man. Get a life. Kelvin Cobb over Vick. Funny. Vick is back. Haters.
Grace
September 22nd, 2010
10:03 pm
Once a sociopath, always a sociopath. He needs to be squashed like the sniveling, bullying coward that he is.
BobbyDawg
September 22nd, 2010
10:05 pm
I’m happy to see Michael Vick’s ability back in the NFL.I hope for his sake that he has learned his lesson. If he messes up again I hope they put him away for a long time.
GOOD LUCK MIKE!
What lady?
September 22nd, 2010
10:06 pm
Do you talk to your mother with that mouth? Life is life; and God blesses the beasts and the children. MV destroyed life….that God created. A 1st grader understands that. You must be a tad s-l-o-w.
Vick sux
September 22nd, 2010
10:07 pm
’nuff said.
mamaj
September 22nd, 2010
10:16 pm
I’m not even a football fan, but I am a born and bred Georgia native, who will be watching EVERY game that Michael Vick plays. I believe in forgiveness and a second chance, so therefore he gets my vote. Those of you who wish him such things as his legs broken, being run over in the streets etc., are only putting bad karma in your own lives. It was horrible what he did to the DOGS, but it was equally as horrible what ole massa did to Black human beings hundreds of years ago, but that was so long ago, it should have been forgotten by now…yeah right. Were they con artists, sociopaths, or the like? I think not! A dark-skinned human being being owned by a white human being, being hung from trees, tied and drug by horses, beaten daily…and they were people. The people responsible may no longer be alive, but their ancestors and the hateful mentality IS! All that needed to be said, just so some of you wouldn’t forget that we were treated WORSE than dogs, but we forgave and moved on!!! Give this man a chance–God did.
Michael
September 22nd, 2010
10:17 pm
Please stop. Either watch him play or don’t. Just please shut up.
Bill
September 22nd, 2010
10:17 pm
Lets hope its “bring your own switchblade” night at Lincoln Field when Vick eventually flips off the psychopathic Philly fans!
These people would pistol whip Mother Theresa! Can’t wait for the ESPN highlights.
Philly fans, get used to 60 yard rushing and 11 for 33 passing performances from your new QB…
I mean, Seriously Vick fans! Do you REALLY think he’s going to lead you ANYWHERE but down the road to dissapointment?
What a miserable fan base! Heh Heh
Ross
September 22nd, 2010
10:29 pm
This repulsive thug will get what’s coming to him. That will be God speaking. The language he uses is beyond me – but it will not need to be translated.
It’s not God, but Man, that amazes me. The crimes committed by this ghetto slug are repugnant to the soul of any decent person – yet here he is, lionized by all, soon to be rich again, still talking about himself in the third person, like the Sun King. “La chiene, c’est moi.”
GADown
September 22nd, 2010
10:33 pm
I am happy for the man because he is man (regardless of ethic group) that is broke and needs to feed his family. What is wrong when a person is sorry but has to live his life? I know what, selfish and prideful people! Every man I have met in almost 21 years has some dirt. Allot of it is just covered up!!! Go Vick but most all Go ATLANTA FALCONS!!!!!!!
IlliniBrave
September 22nd, 2010
10:38 pm
Pretty much hate everything in and out of Philly except cheesesteaks. Can’t stand any of their teams and the fans are notoriously obnoxious. So, while I’m glad Vick got a second chance, I cannot even begin to root for his success – not on the Eagles.
DJ
September 22nd, 2010
10:38 pm
I just hope the same people making the comments so harsh for Mike Vick were just as harsh for Big Ben…. My guess is they were not…. The end..
Ross
September 22nd, 2010
10:43 pm
Big Ben the bathroom raper got what was coming to him – Terry Bradshaw said he wasn’t a real Steeler, not a part of the Steeler family. That’s enough for me. At least he didn’t kill the bitches he was dealing with.
Disgusted
September 22nd, 2010
10:44 pm
How pathetic that an evil, psychotic man like Michael Vick is allowed to make millions of dollars playing a kid’s game. He should be locked away in an asylum. And no, he didn’t deserve a second chance. He’s not normal and is a danger to society. I hope he doesn’t torture any more animals, but I seriously hope he doesn’t end up hurting another human. Read up on serial killers, people. Most of them tortured animals too.
nativefalcon
September 22nd, 2010
10:52 pm
Good luck to Vick. He does look good reminds me when he played under Reeves. But at the same time, Vick played against the LIONS. Lets see how he does against some better defenses, and HE WILL have some of those games we ALL remember well, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.
DOG OWNERS ARE REALLY JUST LONELY
September 22nd, 2010
10:57 pm
Vick Haters are so funny !!! They still cant get over what Vick did with those pit bulls 3YEARS ago…Personally, the only thing that I think a dog is good for is leaving behind a serious stench that is common in most if not all DOG OWNERS houses ( what I experienced while working @ Comcast )..I CAN SAY CONFIDENTLY THAT VICK CANT BE ANY WORSE THAN ALL THESE DOG OWNERS who let nasty dogs roam and funk up there living quarters…..with that being said GO VICK !!
Disgusted
September 22nd, 2010
10:59 pm
Maybe Vick will come to your house and kill those of you who love him so much. You’re as pathetic as he is.
Back 2 Reality
September 22nd, 2010
11:10 pm
Way to go Snoopy@5:04pm & LadyNSmyrna@7:42pm. Bradley, I thought there wasn’t a good word you had about Vick, but its good to see you post something good.
Seeing that half empty dome last sunday reminded me why I gave up my season tickets of 12 years up 2 years ago. Its funny to see all posts downing Vick. Reminds me of all the posts years ago saying he would NEVER play in the nfl again and such. Hey nimrods, Vick is money baby, and the nfl & eagles were not about to let that go.
Well Mr. Blank, your old ATM qb is now playing for a real coach & receivers now, but don’t worry, maybe ESPN can convince you to go get Brett Favre next season like they duped you into signing Matt Ryan!!1 LOL!!!
Vick Supporter
September 22nd, 2010
11:34 pm
@Mark Bradley
Man, thats was a great article. I’m not going to get into the “I told you so’s” right now. I knew Vick would make it back. Great article man.
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned…..Better Than Ever
Dan
September 22nd, 2010
11:36 pm
Good job Mark!!! I’m saddened by all the self righteous, pious, people on here that have never made a mistake and are never going to make a mistake (in their mind). Michael Vick deserves a second chance!!!