September 25, 2009
NFL- Michael Vick is Back and Ready for His First Game
By Audrey Nolan
After a very turbulent year, Michael Vick is ready to return to the NFL and demonstrate that, despite his absence, he has maintained his talent as a quarterback. Vick spent 18 months in prison after being found guilty for participating in a dog-fighting ring. He served his sentence and was released from prison only a couple of months ago. After his release, he spent his time knocking on the door of several NFL teams, hoping to get into shape and play football again. The only team that thought him worth the chance was the Philadelphia Eagles.
He sat on the bench for the first two games of the regular season because, apart from his legal sentence, the league has penalized him as well. But he will be available to play next weekend during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. His role in the field is still uncertain; the team has a complex of quarterbacks that may leave Vick as a number 3 replacement.
Philadelphia’s normal starter, Donovan McNabb, hasn’t been practicing since he broke a rib during the team’s Sunday loss against New Orleans. Kevin Kolb will likely be the next pick for coach Andy Reid; Kolb will probably start Sunday’s game against Kansas City. Reid still hasn’t definitively chosen a back-up quarterback for Kolb yet; he has either Jeff Garcia or Michael Vick to choose from. Regardless, Vick will be in uniform, waiting to be called up and cash in on the opportunity he has been dreaming of since his last game in 2006.
Vick has been practicing normally and studying the tapes; he maintains the conviction that he will return to form and help his team overcome the defeat it suffered last Sunday against the Saints.
“One thing we do know is I’m going to be dressed up, so that’s a great opportunity,” Vick said. “This is Andy’s team. He’s a smart guy. He knows what to do and when he comes up with the game plan. If it doesn’t include me, I’m cool. But, I will make sure that mentally I’m aware of what’s going on and I’m ready in case something happens. You never know what can happen.”
If Vicks does enjoy play time on Sunday, he will be able to partake in Philadelphia’s wildcat offense, a style of play that he, with his non-traditional offensive style, should be very comfortable with. While he played for the Falcons he was better known for his running skills than for his throws; in fact, he holds several quarterback rushing records, including most yards in a season (1,039) and most career 100-yard games (8).
After all that has happened to him, Vick doesn’t take anything for granted any more. During a recent interview, he said that he has gained a new perspective on celebrity and football. He also said that his appreciation for everything in his life has grown. He now struggles to be a better player, and is grateful for the opportunity the Eagles have given him to play football again.
And perhaps he has changed. He has been spending time talking to students in Philadelphia schools about making bad decisions, discussing the consequences of his previous choices and how their consequences affected his life.
But even though Michael Vick may have changed spiritually, he claims that, on the field, he is the same – aggressive and dynamic. He may have a chance on Sunday to prove himself right.
About the Author
Audrey Nolan has been a prominent writer on daily NFL Football Season reviews, sports news and sports betting industry updates for many exceptional sports web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.