Vick Back In National Football League
Disgraced Former Quarterback Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
Every football fan in America has an opinion about Michael Vick.
Most people are not in his corner, and some will never be again.
Vick, who spent two years in jail for runnnig a dog fighting ring, is an animal rights activist's worst nightmare.
When details emerged about how dogs were being tortured in the most extreme and vile ways, Vick's public image was damaged beyond repair.
Vick lost his $135 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons and was released by the club before being arrested and convicted in a federal court.
He lost all of his fortune and is currently in bankruptcy.
But now that Vick is out of jail, he has to find a way to make a living.
Vick's Only Talent Is Football
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could have made Vick sit out one more NFL season as part of his punishment.
Instead, Goodell decided to allow Vick to sign with a club, providing any team was interested.
Goodell recognized one factor in Vick's situation that applies to all people on parole or probation.
Vick Has A Right To Make A Living
The Philadelphia Eagles front office brass recognized that Vick is still a football talent.
Head coach Andy Reid and starting quarterback Donovan McNabb campaigned to owner Jeffrey Lurie to give Vick the second chance he was looking for.
McNabb, Reid and Vick have a long standing relationship dating back to when Vick was first drafted.
The Eagles need insurance in case McNabb gets hurt, which has happened a few times in his career.
McNabb said he would be willing to play receiver or tight end to get Vick into the lineup where the team can run some gadget plays.
The two working together could provide for an unstoppable combination.
However, winning a Super Bowl is probably the only way for fans to forgive Vick for his transgressions.
Like anybody else, Eagles fans are pet owners who love their dogs.
Vick Will Take Abuse From Fans
Signs of "Vick is an Eagle! Hide Your Beagle! have been spotted.
But Vick will make $1.3 million this year and as much as $10 million next year if all goes well.
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy is also mentoring Vick to keep his path straight.
It will take time, but Vick could win back the fans providing he stays out of further trouble.
As part of his deal with the NFL, Vick won't be eligible to play for the Eagles until the sixth week of the season.
He can practice with the Eagles, but he can only play in the final two preseason games.
That means Vick will make his Eagles debut in a home exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Lincoln Financial Field.
His regular season debut will take place at the Washington Redskins in late October.
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