After four ground breaking years plying his trade as starting quarterback for Virginia Tech, Michael Vick was selected first in the 2000 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Outstandingly Vick was also selected in 2000 Major League Baseball Drat by the Colorado Rockies without playing a single game of baseball in college.
Vick made his debut for the Falcons the following year amassing numerous rookie records which eventuated in his selection as a second year Pro-Bowl player. After four more successful years in the NFL Vick seemed to have it all, a record contract that included a 20 million dollar bonus just for sticking with the Atlanta Franchise, Vick also had numerous high deals with corporate entities in which he was the spokesman, such as Nike, EA Sports, Coca-Cola, Powerade, Kraft, Rawlings, Hasbro and AirTran.
At the height of his powers Michael Vick became involved in the crude underworld industry of dog fighting. Vick was found to be involved in all aspects of dog fighting from breeding to betting. Vick also financed numerous kennels to house the dogs and financed the wide scoping operation involving numerous underworld figures.
In 2007 Vick was charged on numerous counts of dog fighting which resulted in two years imprisonment in a federal prison. Vick was also ordered to pay the Atlanta Falcons 19.97 Million back from his signing bonus causing Vick to file for bankruptcy from inside prison.
Having his life fall down around him Vick spent his time in prison resurrecting the positive direction in which he wanted his life to travel. Upon Vick's release in 2009 Vick continued his Journey into recovery under the direction of Tony Dungy a former NFL super Bowl coach renowned for people skills and ability to turn around professional athletes whose lives are heading in the wrong direction.
Later that year Vick turned the full circle by miraculously signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one year contract. During the season Vick filled in for Donovan McNabb at the end of games with some very consistent solid performances.
In 2010 Vick had his contract extended for one more season however he was still stuck in the number two quarterback position. In the season opener Vick was sent into action in the third Quarter due to injury with the Eagles down by 20 points. Vick got straight down business showing class in all aspects of the Eagles offensive run pass system, rallying the troops to within one touchdown of victory.
Now three years on and Vick continues to be a constant NFL standard player. Although he has not risen to his previous glory on a week to week basis, Vick still pulls out some of his best just when the critics start circling. The upcoming 2013 season may very well decide what legacy Michael Vick leaves in the NFL story books.
Josh Hinds is a school chaplain on the Gold Coast, a family man and PSI's IT professional. Josh is an experienced writer on international sport.
Josh Hinds' previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/joshua-hinds.html