Why America Is Fascinated With Michael Vick

As the most dynamic player
coming out of college Michael
Vick was elected number 1 by
the Atlanta Falcons

In 2001 Michael Vick was drafted into the NFL as one of the most athletic quarterbacks to ever enter the league. The Falcons moved up to number 1 in the draft in order to make Michael Vick their franchise quarterback. Little did they know that the guy they drafted would change the way mobile quarterbacks are viewed in the league. Michael Vick in a short span of time change the way defensive coordinators called games, as well as the way teams drafted players. Michael Vick transcended the game and the way players were recruited into college as well as into the NFL. Much to his own regret Michael Vick decided to derail his own career by involving himself in illegal dog fighting and then he decided to lie to the federal government about doing so. 



After a 18 month stint in a maximum security federal prison in Leavenworth Michael Vick was allowed to reenter the NFL with Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles. Now in debt millions of dollars, hated by millions of people worldwide, and not sure if he still has the world class athletic ability that he had 18 months prior Michael Vick had everything going against him. So what does he do? Michael Vick and his PR team made one of the most incredible comebacks in sports history. After teaming up with the Humane Society and other animal advocate groups Michael Vick has become one of the best spokes people for animal rights as well as donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to animal rights. On the football field his career was resurrected by quarterback guru Andy Reid which allowed Vick to be in the running for the league's MVP trophy in 2010 after putting up incredible numbers throughout the year. 

Michael Vick warming up during pre-game, happy to have a
second chance at a career in the NFL

The only thing standing in Michael Vick's way today is father time which at this point is undefeated in terms of athletes and their deteriorating abilities. Michael Vick now sits on the bench for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the number two quarterback option behind starter and potential hall-of-famer Ben Roethlisberger.

Michael Vick has paid his dues on the football field and has paid his debt to society off it. Michael Vick's situation is unique, he is perhaps one of the most well-known NFL football players in the NFL even as a backup quarterback yet he is also one of the most hated sports personalities in the world due to his criminal acts and some would say his arrogant persona prior to those acts. Nonetheless regardless of your religious beliefs, or your constitutional beliefs Michael Vick has done everything in his power to right his wrongs within this American society. He has earned his second chance and has given back more than he has been required to do within this redemption process. The only question now is what will history say about Michael Vick and his legacy?