Tony Dungy Can Redeem Michael Vick's Wayward Career

The Internet and sports talk radio airwaves have been rife with speculation about Michael Vick's return to the NFL since he was released from Leavenworth this morning.

I've heard countless theories about who should pick Vick up, who shouldn't sign Vick, whether he should sit out a year, what the backlash would be for the team that signed him, and countless other conjectures about the QB.

One thing I haven't heard today, amidst all the speculation and pontificating, is the profound affect Tony Dungy's influence will have on Vick's possible return to NFL prominence.

There are two reasons that Dungy could very well be the catalyst for Vick's redemption. First, the former Tampa Bay and Indianapolis coach is a tremendous role model for anyone to follow.

Earlier this month, Dungy visited Vick in prison. During his time in the NFL, Dungy has been well-known for his character and his spirituality, two characteristics that Vick seems to lack at this point in his life.

Dungy has dealt with slings and arrows in his life, most notably the suicide of his son in 2005. Despite any cross he's had to bear, he's always handled himself with class and dignity. Those are two more characteristics Vick will need to adopt as he tries to move on with his life.

The other positive impact Dungy can have on Vick is directly related to Vick's football career. Dungy is one of the most well-respected men in the NFL. If he vouches for Vick, it will go a long way in helping Vick's long, difficult journey back into professional football.

It's important to point out that there are two factors that are out of Dungy's control.

The first is Roger Goddell's decision regarding reinstatement. Since becoming the NFL Commissioner, he has taken a hard line with player misconduct.

Although Vick is nearly done paying his debt to society, will Goodell believe that Vick is truly remorseful? And more importantly, will he decide that the NFL is better off without Vick in it?

The second factor is Vick's remaining football ability. He is still a relatively young man (he will turn 29 in June), but he hasn't played any football in two years. About all Vick could have done in prison was lift weights.

Can he still move like he used to? Has he lost any of his football IQ? Vick's ability to perform on the highest level is far from a sure thing.

But, if he has Dungy in his corner, Vick's chances of getting back into professional football are much better than if he were trying to make it back on his own.