Pros: Michael Vick Signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Some are in favor of the addition of the former Falcons star

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Following his release from prison, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick where he played from 2009-2013

Rachael Kriger, Cal Times Contributor

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed quarterback Michael Vick on August 25, the entire city of Pittsburgh either burst into happiness or “riot.” Michael Vick, who previously played for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons, caused quite an uproar in Pittsburgh. Most people were not happy about the signing, but a slim number of people were. I can, without regret, say that I am one of the few people happy with the Michael Vick signing.

    How many of the people who are upset with the Steelers for the Vick signing are looking at it from an emotional standpoint? Michael Vick was suspected of dog fighting during his time in Atlanta. He was charged, convicted, and spent two years in jail for the crime. After his time spent in prison, he went to the Philadelphia Eagles organization where he would stay until his release in 2013. Many people were astounded that the Eagles gave Vick a second chance in the NFL. However, Vick made the most of his opportunities by helping send the Eagles to the playoffs twice, in both 2009 and 2010.

    Now the people of Pittsburgh are not quite pleased with the hometown team giving another chance to Vick. The comments on social media are pretty much the same. “I’m selling my season tickets,” or “Rather have NO QB than to have VICK,” or my personal favorite, “You have lost the respect of this country, Pittsburgh Steelers.” What people are not seeing is the tactical view of the Michael Vick signing.

    Michael Vick’s signing to the Steelers proves that the organization is trying to better their squad. With Bruce Gradkowski out with injury, the only other backup is Landry Jones, who has not fared well in the preseason. Gradkowski’s injury also means the loss of a second veteran quarterback and leader, something that every team needs. Michael Vick, who turned 35-years old in January and has been in the league since being drafted in 2001, knows the hardships of the NFL inside and out. There is no one else I could imagine to take charge and make sure the young players stay focused and stay out of trouble. Vick experienced hardships throughout his career and can use what he has learned to help others.

    Michael Vick is a solid quarterback. He has taken the backup role before and has performed well in it. In 2009, Vick started out with the Eagles as a backup for Kevin Kolb, who has since retired. However, when Kolb went down, Vick came in. That same season, Vick led the Eagles to a playoff berth with a 10-6 record. In New York, Vick struggled a bit under Rex Ryan’s new offense after being named the starter in week seven of last season. Vick was behind Geno Smith on the depth chart, but after seven straight losses, Ryan put Vick in for the struggling Smith.

  Now I am most certainly not condoning Vick’s past crimes, but there is the key word”past”. Michael Vick did his time in prison and certainly came out a better man. Everyone certainly makes mistakes, but what’s important is that we learn from those mistakes. It is clear to see that Michael Vick has learned from his mistakes and bettered himself to be a productive and law abiding citizen.

    One thing that astounds me about the Vick situation is when people say “I’m not going to be a fan of the Steelers anymore now that Vick is here.” First off, Vick is a backup. It’s not like Vick will be starting any games unless Ben Roethlisberger falls to injury. Secondly, if Roethlisberger would fall to injury, Vick would be in, but when he does come in, what should happen if Vick starts winning game after game for the Steelers? Everyone will love him again and you will definitely hear, “I was a Vick fan right when they signed him!” from those same people that jeered when he was signed.

    I have never liked any fair weather fan, no matter what the sport is. Being a dedicated fan means that you stick with your team through the good and the bad. The Vick situation really is not that bad, people! Michael Vick’s signing proves that the team is heading in the right direction and wants to be a winning team. If Roethlisberger does come off the field injured, and think about this, would you rather have Landry Jones who threw an interception on his first pass of the a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, or would you rather have a seasoned veteran in Michael Vick who still is fully functional at age 35? It is not rocket science, and it’s quite an obvious answer.

     Vick did his time, has volunteered numerous with animal charities and shelters, and has really changed himself. While other NFL players are abusing their spouses, using drugs, and doing all sorts of illegal things and not changing their ways, Vick has done the opposite. This guy deserves another chance, and I’m proud that my football team has made the decision to accept him into the organization. We all deserve second chances, so why is Michael Vick any different?