Commissioner Roger Goodell ‘proud’ of Michael Vick’s success
Michael Vick’s incredible story of redemption could not have happened had he not been given a second chance. The man who gave him that second chance was NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who reinstated Vick into the league following his release from prison in
2008.
Vick leads the NFL in passer rating this season with 115.1. Despite starting in only four games this year, Vick has accumulated 1,350 yards passing, along with 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s also added 341 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
"There is a big message in what Michael is doing,” said Goodell. He's a superstar athlete who everyone thought had everything in the world. He fell from grace tragically by making some horrific mistakes, paid a significant price, worked his way back in and
now he's being successful.”
Vick served two years in prison for running a dog-fighting ring. When reinstated, the Philadelphia Eagles were the only team to him, giving him a two-year contract. Vick is now in the last year of that contract and word is, the Eagles are strongly considering
offering Vick a long-term deal. That will help Vick, who lost millions following his conviction.
"It demonstrates to me to get to these young men earlier and work with them and make them understand their responsibility making decisions that will define them for a period of time."
Vick’s road to redemption and career resurrection feels like a story that could only happen in Hollywood. He continues to lead the Eagles and is playing the best football of his life. He also may be the best person he’s ever been off the field now. Terrible
decisions and a lack of moral judgment nearly cost Vick his career, but he’s made the most out of his second chance.
Vick has spoken to many young athletes across the United States and has done community work throughout his NFL comeback. However an incident at his 30th birthday party again led many to question whether his changes were genuine. A shooting took place at his
birthday, but all evidence pointed towards Vick’s innocence regarding the shooting. Vick said he regretted having his party at a nightclub, as old acquaintances showed up, who were Vick’s co-defendants in court four years ago.
Goodell elected not to enforce disciplinary action on Vick because of evidence proving his innocence and due to Vick’s good behavior since his NFL return. However Goodell and the Eagles did agree that Vick needed additional support.
"My main concerns were off the field," Goodell said. "He's done terrific off the field. I'm proud of how he has responded. There are so many examples in our society of failure, people falling short. We need more success stories. I'm hoping Michael Vick will
be a success story. People need to see that. People need to be inspired by that – a person made a tragic error and he's overcome it."
Goodell said that he remains in contact with Vick frequently. Vick also has been taken under retired coach Tony Dungy’s wing. The influence has been tremendous as Vick continues to become a better person, and a better football player.
"I let him know that I care and want him to succeed," Goodell said. "He's probably so much more satisfied and comfortable with his life right now. He's getting married next spring. He's got children. He's doing all the right things."
Vick’s opportunity to be a superstar again came in week one this season when then-Eagles starter Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion. Vick took over, finished the game well and played unbelievably well in Kolb’s absence, prompting coach Andy Reid to make Vick
the starter for the Eagles. After a rib injury kept Vick out for most of October, his return in November has led to more success and Vick has the Eagles in the playoff hunt at 6-3. Vick’s story becomes more remarkable every week, as he’s an MVP candidate and
who knows if this season leads to Vick’s ultimate redemption, at least football wise, to a championship some day.
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