In 2007 quarterback Michael Vick was implicated in an illegal interstate dog fighting ring and served 21 months in prison followed by 2 months in home confinement. With the loss of his NFL salary and product placement income combined with his previous money management issues, he had to file for bankruptcy in July 2008. When he finished his sentence his previous team, The Atlanta Falcons, did not want to take him back, but his luck started to change when he was signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.
When Vick returned to football, everyone was wary. He started his one year contract with the Eagles with $1.6 million dollar salary potential and was able to participate in team meetings and practices as well as two pre-season games. He then became eligible to play in the third week of the regular season and was placed on the exempt/commissioner’s permission list on September 5, 2009. By September 15th he was placed on the 53 man roster playing as McNabb’s backup, and finally in week 13 he scored his first touchdown in a game against his previous team the Atlanta Falcons.
This year, Michael Vick has been named the Eagle’s starting quarterback and was names NFC Offensive Player of the Month in September, begging the question, is Michael Vick better than ever?
Many would argue yes. It seems Vick has reformed himself not only in his personal life but in his football playing as well. ESPN said he gave “the best solo effort in the NFL this season” when he made six touchdowns during the Eagles-Redskins game, helping the Eagles take the win 59-28. He also finished 20 of 28 passing for 333 yard with four touchdowns and no interceptions, then worked with DeSean Jackson on an 88 yard scoring pass and Jeremy Maclin on a 48 yard pass. To top it all off, he ran eight times for 8p yards and a pair of touchdowns. Needless to say he impressed and entertained the crowd.
It seems that Vick has gained a greater focus during his time away from the NFL, and has fine tuned his position as quarterback. He has shown vast improvement in his throwing mechanics and his ability to run, while at the same time showing that he can make hard decisions quickly while on the field. He seems refreshed and is full of energy at every game, giving impressive performances each time.
So why the sudden improvement? Perhaps it has to do with wanting to prove himself after the embarrassing debacle that took him out of the game in 2007, and wanting to shine for the Eagles as they were the ones who took a chance and hired him after he got out of prison. He now arrives early to practices and games and participates in off-the-field learning such as watching film and learning opposing defenses. He seems to have come around to be a real team player. He may also be inspired in order to get his finances back in order after having to file for bankruptcy.
What everyone can agree on is that Michael Vick has got his game back, and truly is playing football better than ever.