What Makes Mike Vick Tick: 10 Questions For The Falcons' Fallen QB

It has been a rough two years for the Atlanta Falcons’ fallen star Michael Vick. He went from being the acclaimed starting quarterback who could wow the fans with his arm and his ability to move, to being a federal penitentiary inmate at Leavenworth. We have heard endless statements from fans, ex-fans, players, Falcons’ personnel, and even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. You and I both know what everyone else thinks, but given the chance, I would sit down with Vick and try to gain some perspective on what went wrong and how he feels about his impending return to the NFL. Here are my top 10 (15 if you want to get technical) questions for the talented bad boy:

1. For the sake of removing the elephant in the room, let’s start with something difficult. What were you thinking when you got involved in the Bad Newz Kennels venture?

2. If you had the ability to go back and do things differently, what would you do?

3. Moving forward do you think that it is important to act as a role model for kids who are susceptible to involvement in activities such as dog fighting? Do you have any plans in place to get the message out?

4. You met with former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy while you were incarcerated. What did you two talk about?

5. I assume that the last couple of years have been a difficult time for you. What has kept you going?

6. Do your kids have an understanding of where you have been, and why? How did you explain your situation to them?

7. Okay I’m done grilling you, let’s move on to something more fun—football. Commissioner Goodell has stated on a number of occasions that he needs to see proof that you are remorseful for your actions, and that you have changed, before he’ll consider reinstating you. Those are pretty subjective criteria—how do you intend to demonstrate those requirements.

8. Let’s assume the commissioner decides that you are suitable to return to play in the NFL. What is your ideal scenario for life after the Falcons? As in: where would you like to play and what kind of offense do you think would best suit your style at this point?

9. We know that for the most part, players around the league support your return to the game. What teams do you think would offer the most supportive environment (players, coaches, front office staff) for your return?

10. Let’s assume the unthinkable—that Commissioner Goodell rejects the notion of you returning to the NFL. Would you consider heading north and playing for the Canadian Football League? What about arena football? Or is there something else in Mike Vick’s bigger plan that doesn’t involve the gridiron?