On this, Micheal Vick’s 43rd birthday, I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at this time here in Philly.
I remember exactly where I was, what I was eating…and especially what my first thoughts were when the news was announced that the Philadelphia Eagles had signed Micheal Vick. It was August, 2009 and my Corner Pub Sports co-host Mike had taken a trip to Chicago to see the Phillies play at Wrigley (which was awesome), and was starving after the flight. I went to a Pizza Hut close to my home, looked up and saw the news ticker flash at the bottom of the TV screen. BREAKING NEWS: THE PHILADELPHIA EAGES HAVE SIGNED MICHEAL VICK TO A 2-YEAR DEAL. I am pretty sure my jaw dropped. Not from excitement, but in disgust.
We all know the background story. Vick had done his time behind bars for his part in a dog fighting ring, and although I respected Vick’s talents on the field, I never really cared much for him. There were plenty of stories about how he failed to study his playbook and refused to be coached. Why did my Eagles, not far removed from an NFC title game appearance have to be the guinea pig in trying to rehash Vick’s career?
Turns out, it was the perfect match.
The way Jeffery Lurie laid it out to the fan base was stern and to the point. He wanted Vick to have “self-hatred” but believed in second chances. He also said that there was a short leash for Vick. He knew this signing was going to ruffle some feathers. He probably anticipated the animal rights protest groups showing up outside the gates. It didn’t matter. He saw something that many of us didn’t. That Micheal Vick was truly a new person.
Off the field, Vick spoke at many events, provided donations to multiple animal related charities, and attempted to show the fan base that he wanted to turn his life around.
On the field he also became a different player.
With Andy Reid at the helm, Vick took advantage of the chances to play that he was given. Donovan McNabb was still the starter and the team had all but committed to Kevin Kolb being his replacement. He appeared in parts of 12 games and started one as he tried to get his NFL legs back. That off-season the Eagles were ready to commit to Kolb, so they traded McNabb to Washington, making Vick the backup. In game 1 of the 2010 season, Kolb suffered a concussion and the rest is history.
Vick helped lead the Eagles to a 10-6 record, winning the NFC East before falling to the Packers in the Wild Card game. He made the Pro Bowl, and the following season was signed to a multi-year, 100 million dollar contract. The team would fail to make the playoffs the next two years despite making huge signings in 2012’s proclaimed “Dream Team”, (thanks Vince Young). However, things began to look up again for Vick when the Chip Kelly era kicked off on Monday Night Football against Washington.
What we witnessed that night still remains as one of the most impressive showings by an offense in this town. The up tempo pace seemed to favor the dual threat Vick as he did whatever he wanted against the Redskins defense. The team would struggle the next few weeks and Vick would severely injure his hamstring, opening the door for Nick Foles and his 27 touchdown to 2 interception season. That also closed the door on Vick’s time with the Eagles.
Micheal Vick would close out his career as backup with the Jets and Steelers before officially retiring in 2017. Looking back, I can still remember feeling so-so whenever he had success here based on his checkered past, but it also showed me that second chances are warranted, especially if you prove that you deserve reconsolidation.
Say what you will about Vick, but the 180 degree turn he took could not have been easy for him. It certainly wasn’t for the fans, and it was a very risky move that the Eagles made, and in the end, were probably glad they did.
Corner Pub Sports 