Welcome Back Michael Vick

Today NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Michael Vick will be eligible to return to real game action week three of the 2009 NFL Season. Michael Vick promptly scored his first TD since 2006. Playing the Jets in exhibition play, Vick faked a handoff then run 2 yards up the middle for the touchdown.

We can all agree Michael Vick’s crimes were heinous but I think we as fans of the NFL should allow Vick to move on and be given a chance a redemption.

Vick’s crime struck a nerve with the public; we all imagined the family schnauzer thrown into a pit with a rabid pit bull. Then when it was tore apart and breathing its last breaths, we could imagine Vick himself holding Sparky in a tub of water until the poor dog expired.  It’s Tragic by any account.

Of course, Vick has paid his dues and it’s the right time for him to come back. Michael hasn’t played a meaningful down of football since 2006; he spent 20 months in a federal prison, lost his 9-figure contract and all of his sponsors, which forced him into bankruptcy.  He’s punished enough and it’s time to let the man get back to work.

The Philadelphia faithful has accepted Vick back with open arms, in his first exhibition game the Eagles fans started a “We Want Vick” chant, which I’m sure pissed off Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia doesn’t deserve McNabb; McNabb is a warrior who has left it all on the field for the Eagles but with Vick looming on the sidelines you have to wonder how long before the city turns on him. A bad game, a bad half or quarter could have the city demanding Vick take over.

Let’s look at the best and worst-case scenarios for those involved

Michael Vick

Best Case – The best case for Vick is that he goes out and proves he can still play at an all-pro level for two years, then sign a HUGE new contract with either the Eagles or another team turning them into a contender.

Worst Cash – Vick has lost his skills and never truly adapts to life back in the game. He is cut from the Eagles and ends up in the CFL or worse the Detroit Lions.

Donovan McNabb

Best Case – McNabb has always played his best when he’s been challenged, so if he takes Vick’s presence on the team as the challenge to his job it truly is we can expect another Super Bowl appearance and an NFL MVP award for McNabb.

Worst Case – If McNabb has a bad stretch, the fans will be calling for his head. If Vick takes over and gets this team on a run, McNabb could be out of the only pro city he’s called home.

Philadelphia

Best Case – The two Quarterbacks gel, the wildcat formation becomes the new West Coast Offense and the two combine for back-to-back Super Bowls

Worst Case – Philadelphia leaves their Wife (McNabb) for their sexy girlfriend (Vick) and the girlfriend moves on to greener pastures and the wife still hurt moves on to win a super bowl in another city.