The first NFL jersey I ever purchased was a black No. 7 Atlanta Falcons jersey. As a short and geeky seventh grader, I wore this jersey with pride, enduring stains from cafeteria pizza and questioning faces from my friends in my attempts to remain connected with the name on the back: Vick.
As for why I was watching Virginia Tech football at age nine, that’s beyond me. What I do know is that watching then-redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Vick obliterate the NCAA over the course of the 1999 season was the most electrifying individual performance that I have ever seen. I was blown away by Vick’s unique ability to avoid pressure and scramble out of the pocket for 50-yard scores. And while most remember his Barry Sanders-esque running style, Vick also possessed the ability to sling the rock 75 yards in the air, making him the most dangerous player in college football.
When he was drafted first by the Falcons in the 2001, there was no doubt that I was going to follow the guy for the duration of his career. That was, if he had a full career at all.
Fast forward to Sunday, the 2010 NFL season opener for the Philadelphia Eagles. After shipping out franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb to the division rival Redskins, Philly was about to begin the Kevin Kolb era (eeeek) with a visit from the Super Bowl-caliber Green Bay Packers.
In true Philly heartbreak, Kolb suffered a concussion in the first half and would not return to the game. Just minutes into their season, Eagles fans were already dreading the offseason deal. Now without McNabb and Kolb, the Eagles, down by 10 at the half, were forced to turn to last year’s third-stringer for the daunting comeback attempt.
Miraculously, the backup came in and led a valiant effort, registering 175 yards and a touchdown through the air and rushing for 103 yards on just 11 carries. Looking like a reincarnation of a slim and trim, 23-year-old McNabb, he was able to successfully manage an Eagles team that looked destined for a blowout. Despite falling seven points short, a statement had been made, and Philly fans, the most brutal in the world, saw a glimmer of hope.
The Eagles’ backup on Sunday? Michael Vick.
I am the first one to agree that Vick’s off-the-field trouble was immoral, unprofessional and punishable by law. And although I may disagree with the price he had to pay—Donté Stallworth received just 30 days in prison for drunkenly running over and killing a pedestrian—he paid it nonetheless. We can choose to dwell on his mistakes and continue ridiculing one of the most revolutionary quarterbacks in football history, or we can embrace his on-the-field talent for what it is and marvel at his ability.
His poise on the field Sunday was entirely unexpected. This was the first time since 2006 that he had received significant playing time, and he took advantage of it. And I’m not a religious guy, but sometimes when the stars align and these moments happen in sports, I can only feel that another shot at greatness is deserved.
As terrible as I feel for Kolb—and I do feel terrible; he had an entire luxury box for family and friends at the game—Philadelphia needs Vick, and Vick needs Philadelphia. He clearly has the skill left, and although he’s 30, his body and athleticism have not deteriorated in the slightest. Sunday’s second half was brilliant, and Vick’s one-of-a-kind style of play was sorely missed.
Head coach Andy Reid has a big decision to make in the upcoming week. If Kolb is cleared to play—it’s a big “if” as the NFL continues to evaluate its treatment of concussions—then he should be favored to regain his position. In all fairness, he wasn’t really given a chance to show his stuff. But there will undoubtedly be advocates for Vick, pressing for his return as Philly’s field general.
I will be among that group hoping for another chance. I can’t evaluate Michael Vick’s character, but I can evaluate his entertainment value. And that, for the NFL and its fans, is sky high.
Zach Zimmerman is probably just defending a purchase he made more than 10 years ago. Give him some buyer’s remorse at [email protected].