Michael Vick Starring in the NFL Again as Life's Pages Turn

Michael Vick made a mistake. He hung in the wrong crowd, took part in Bad Newz Kennels operation, and profited from dog-fighting. And, though some may disagree, he did more than pay his debt to society in serving 21 months in federal prison, two more months in home confinement, and donating $1 million to rehab the dogs that were used in his five-year operation.

Forty-nine of the 51 found in his compound survived, and, according to NPR, “Many found new lives as pets, and others live peacefully with other dogs in animal sanctuaries.”

Now, years later, the former face of the Atlanta Falcons franchise is out to rebuild his severely damaged image and is getting a fresh start in Philadelphia.

After pleading guilty in August of 2007 to federal charges, he lost everything. Atlanta didn’t want him anymore, hence his release. He lost endorsement deals right and left, and it got so bad for Vick financially that he had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July of 2008.

He was on top of the world, one of the most gifted athletes ever to grace a football field (or any field for that matter), then with one confession he hit rock bottom. But he’s slowly making the climb back up a mountain he once stood on top of, and it all began in 2009, with the Eagles giving him a shot no other team would dare give.

It took him a while to get back into shape, as he was used sparingly by Philadelphia. But he made his mark as he got used to the talent and speed of the NFL once more, flourishing in the Wildcat formation and in other sets head coach Andy Reid would use him in.

He totaled 86 yards in the air and 95 more on the ground while having a hand in three touchdowns. Not bad for playing nothing but prison ball for two years. And Vick’s life on the gridiron has only improved in the second year of his second chance.

What he did for five years as a co-founder of that dogfighting ring was cruel. But I’m a believer in second chances. Third and fourth chances? No, but Vick needed to get back into the game. He was a wreck off the field during his days with Atlanta. And though he may not say it, but his conviction was the best thing for him.

It was a wake-up call, one that severely splashed some ice-cold water on his face. Now, the 30-year old has turned his life around for the better, and I’m sure he wouldn’t have done so if his estranged father, Michael Boddie, hadn’t ratted him out for his indefensible actions.

His team option for 2011 was picked up by the Eagles, a move made all the more pleasing to Vick when starting quarterback and career-long Eagle Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins, moving Vick rapidly up the depth chart. He sat behind only fourth-year quarterback Kevin Kolb on the team, and once Kolb suffered a concussion in their season opener against Green Bay, he was the man once more.

He filled in for Kolb in that game, playing the second half in the starter’s stead. He performed admirably in the most time he had seen behind center since 2006. It was as if he never left, making dynamic throws while using his shifty speed to leave defenders in his wake.

In that half he was 16-24 passing for 175 yards and threw a touchdown, then added to those statistics by proving to be the same duel-threat quarterback he was in Atlanta, running for 103 yards on just 11 carries.

After the eventual 27-20 loss, Vick wasn’t lacking in confidence, saying, “I feel like if I had been out there for four quarters, maybe we would’ve had a chance to win the game.” He showed he’s back to being the Michael Vick of old, and he certainly knows it. And he would have that chance to play all four quarters this past week, with Kolb ruled out with concussion-like symptoms.

He not only gave the Eagles a chance to win, he led them to a win. Reid said he was “brilliant” against Green Bay, but he was even better against the Detroit Lions. He passed for 284 yards while completing 21 of 34 passes, leading Philadelphia to a commanding 35-17 lead.

Though he wasn’t as lethal on the ground, he brought back breathtaking memorie—memories that made him a national icon, one of the league’s most popular players, and a fan-favorite in Atlanta.

Now, he will take a spot on the bench, playing behind Kolb, who returns to his starting job for Week 3. Vick said he was okay with the decision, acknowledging Kolb is the team’s starter, a title Vick, once securely held. He was incredible in his early years, before the prison sentence forced him to look in the mirror. ‘What kind of person do I want to be?’ he must have asked.

Now, with a fresh start in the NFL and a new outlook on life, the only thing he’s probably wondering is when will he get the chance to be the Vick of 2001 to 2006, to be a full-time starter, to come full circle.

If Philadelphia was smart they would continue to start him. Teams that make the playoffs have good balance. They can run and pass. Vick brings both to the table, combined with the running skills of young running back LeSean McCoy and the explosiveness of wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Vick could be The Man in Philly, but if he remains behind the one-dimensional Kolb and dazzles in limited time for the remainder of the year, he certainly should catch the eye of another team willing to take a chance on a person who has changed off the field but clearly not on it.