From One Bird To The Next; Vick Goes From Falcons to Eagles

Greg Matzek Posted: Aug. 14, 2009

What other people are saying about the Philadelphia Eagles’ signing of Michael Vick to a two-year contract. Let’s start with me:

My take on it is simple. Michael Vick deserves a chance to play in the NFL again. So often people are judgmental of athletes who are given a ‘free pass’ after committing a crime…Vick got anything but. Regardless of how heinous the crime, Vick served his time and is now free, FREE to resume his profession just like any other American who was punished for wrong doing, then released back to society. The fundamental difference here is scale. The profile of the NFL is gargantuan. Though the outpouring of negative PR will be overwhelming, and while there will always be nay-sayers and stubborn curmudgeons who detest Vick’s return to the NFL, the luster of the story will eventually transition from “he abused dogs” to “he looks pretty good”. Protestors will shrink in numbers and PETA will grow tired of their own lunacy and the focus will be on Michael Vick – football player who has resurrected his career after serving time for a heinous crime. It’s part of what makes America, America.

Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach, Andy Reid

“…I do believe this kid [Vick] deserves a second chance. There is no better man to have in your corner than Tony Dungy, and Commissioner Goodell has stood up on the table for the kid. So I'm sure there are some things that happened there that built that trust in him, but he's got some great people there and I'm pulling for him."

Don Banks; CNNSI.com

“Smart move by Vick, signing with the Eagles. In the two biggest games of his NFL career, Vick has lost to the Eagles in the playoffs in Philadelphia: a 2002 NFC divisional round game and the 2004 NFC Championship Game. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.”

Gordie Jones; Philadelphia Examiner

“A cynic would suggest it is arrogance wrapped in desperation on the part of a regime that has always had a high opinion of itself, but which has always fallen short of the big prize.”

Paul Domowitch, Philadelphia Daily News

“The Eagles didn't sign Vick to have him push Donovan McNabb for the starting quarterback job. He wasn't even really signed to give Kevin Kolb a run for his money as the No. 2 guy. He was signed for one reason, one word: Wildcat.”

Jeffrey Lurie; Philadelphia Eagles Owner (from an August 5^th press conference)

"We put a tremendous emphasis on character. I know we've had the best record in the NFC this decade and I really attribute it to having a very high character group of players."

Jay Glazer, FoxSports.com

“It’s a great move for them. Every head coach who I talked to who wanted Michael Vick said ‘I’d love him, but my owner wouldn’t let me take him’.”

Sue Cosby; Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

"To root for someone who participated in the hanging, drowning, electrocution and shooting of dogs will be impossible for many, no matter how much we would all like to see the Eagles go all the way."

Peter King, CNNSI.com

“No one minimizes a series of heinous offenses. But should he never be able to do his chosen job again? Ever? Even after 20 months of jail?”

Joe Banner; Philadelphia Eagles President

"I just hope the people will understand that we did our research. We talked to the commissioner's office, spent some time talking with Tony Dungy [the former Indianapolis Colts coach who is Vick's personal adviser]. We even talked to the national Humane Society…everybody we talked to said the same thing, that he was remorseful and that he had gone through an incredible transformation, that he was basically good at heart. We heard this over and over again from people who felt he deserved a second chance."

NFL Player Twitter Posts:

· Congrats to Mike Vick for landing on his feet in Philly. He deserves to play, period. ~ San Francisco 49’ers LB, Takeo Spikes

· Mike Vick and McNabb on the same team, damn!!!!!! Glad I don't play defense, good luck game planning to stop that shh!! ~ Cincinnati Bengals WR, Chad Ocho Cinco

· Mike Vick is now a eagle crazy but congrats. ~ Houston Texans RB, Steve Slaton

· Vick is back! Coming to SD! Gonna be even more fun when the Eagles come to town! ~ San Diego Chargers DB, Kassim Osgood

· I think it's great the Mike Vick has signed with the Eagles! Everyone deserves a second chance! The only person who can judge us is God... ~ New Orleans Saints RB, Reggie Bush

· Just got in from practice and seen on the tube that vick signed a 2 yr deal with the eagles CONGRADS to him. ~ San Diego Chargers LB, Shawn Merriman (spelling error was his, not mine)

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From One Bird To The Next; Vick Goes From Falcons to Eagles