Second Chances

First an appology for not keeping this current. We will do a better job of that.

Second, in the middle of watching the eagles preseason game at my uncles house in conneticut, I was bombarded with texts from friends informing me that we had just signed Michael Vick. The following three hours have been a cycle of emotions that went a little like "WHAT THE HECK... we dont need him!...  he's bad press!... what is Andy thinking... I guess he doesnt make us worse...  He did his time...  is this really about football?"  In the end I'm feeling a little like it's not.  And if it's not, I'm actually pleasantly surprised and really like this move.

PETA is going to be a nag all season along with many disappointed fans who have no intention of forgiving the horrendous acts he committed against many dogs.  Understandable.  Forgiveness is a trait that few truly desire, and even fewer truly possess.  I want to applaud the Eagles here for knowing this and taking a risky PR shot on Vick.  This may be perfect place for him...IF it has very little to do with football.

Now, I know...  Will he help the birds on the field?  Probably.  A trick play here or there, and extra weapon in the red zone, a better backup If Donovan goes down, all positives.  Hard to find much negative other than some bad press... But what's new in Philly.  

I think this could very well be the eagles doing something that supersedes the football field. This could be the eagles showing the NFL what it means to redeem one of it's own and set him up to continue his career somewhere.  Michael Vick is not here to be Donovans heir apparent. Those shoes are filled.  He's not here to be a wide reciever, they were clear about that.   Vick signed a contract for one million this year and a 5 million option for next year. Are the eagles (who wouldn't fork up a few extra bucks to keep the greatest safety who ever played here) really going to drop 5 million next year for Vick?  Maybe, but probably not. It doesnt make sense!  So we're talking about a one year deal here.   A one year redemption deal.

Take a solid organization committed to having players with integrity. Take the player who fell from the heights of fame and fortune to the humbling depths of a jail cell and bankruptcy.  Bring the two together for a year to get him back in football shape and show the league he can still contribute, and give him a chance to show he is changed. Release him after a year and give him a real shot to earn a starting job with some credibility on his record.  If this is what the Eagles (along with Tony Dungy and Roger Goodell) have in mind, I am truly impressed.  If this is not about the wildcat formation and the superbowl, and instead about second chances and the NFL redeeming one of its own... I am impressed.  Maybe I am thinking too highly of the Eagles staff here.  We may have just sold our soul for a shot at a championship.  Part of me actually hopes we don't win with him, but that he just comes out a better man for having been with us.  Thats a very small part mind you... but seriously,  in the big picture...  What the greater accomplishment?  Winning a superbowl or making men better men? 

I have a dog that I love.  It disgusts me what he did.  I also know I've been given second chances.  And I hope we dont fail to get past ourselves and see the bigger picture here. 

Comments

[Lynn Kraihanzel]

I like this, Jim. To the dismay of some fellow dog lovers, I choose to have mercy and wish the best for the man. I liked your perspective about a changed person being more important than a super bowl - good words - thanks.