Will Michael Vick have What it Takes?

After a tumultuous history outside of the NFL, everyone’s keeping an eye on Michael Vick to see in the NFL’s decision to take him back as the quarter back for the Philadelphia Eagles was a smart plan. The Eagles already had a strong offense and Michael Vick might just be heating up the competition and increase the team’s chances of making it to Super Bowl 44; plus, it’s bringing more publicity to the team, including those who are strictly curious about the recently released convict and have not previously been fans of the sport. Michael Vick had a strong history in the NFL with six seasons playing for the Atlanta Falcons before being convicted to a sentence of 23 months in prison for involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring and only serving 18 months. In 2007, after pleading guilty to the charges, Michael Vick was indefinitely suspended without pay by the NFL, however, this September it was announced that he would be conditionally reinstated to play with the Eagles. Naturally, this is a decision that has been met with controversy while some football fans are more concerned about his criminal history than his skill as a football player; while others are willing to look beyond the shortcomings in his personal life in order to see if he can lead the Eagles to victory. The Eagles’ team president Joe Banner stands by the team’s decision to recruit Vick despite the controversy, acknowledging that while he made mistakes in his personal life that lead to his conviction, that Vick was one of the most exciting and competitive players in the NFL before he went to jail. However, Banner also doesn’t deny that they’re taking a risk, and that if they’re wrong about just how much Vick will contribute to the team, they’ll be met with a backlash that comes not just from the animal rights advocates, but loyal Eagles fans as well. It is believed that since there is still skepticism that Michael Vick still has something to give after being off of the football field for two seasons, the Eagles are likely to rely quite heavily on their long time quarter back McNabb to fill in the gaps, at least until Vick has the opportunity to prove that he’s still got what it takes. No matter where you stand on the Michael Vick argument today, only time will tell how things play out, and with the season just heating up; we’re about to find out! Read more about NFL at our Sport Book Guide