Michael Vick's Comeback

It was a cold, windy but sunny December day in the New Jersey Meadowlands as the 9-4 Philadelphia Eagles came to face the 9-4 New York Giants. The game in essence to decide the NFC east division and possible #2 seed in the playoffs.

At first it looked like Michael Vick and his Eagles didn't deserve to be on the same field with the Giants, who built up a 24-3 halftime lead. I was shocked at Vick's ineffectiveness, 6-of-10 passes for 33 yards, while Eli Manning was 16-of-25 for three touchdowns and one interception.

But the second half showed that Michael Vick has come all the way back. Back from almost destroying his life with  terrible, horrific acts of cruelty to animals that is appalling to even contemplate one could be involved in such a thing.

Michael Vick signal handily willed his Eagles to a win, rushing for 130 yards 1TD and passing for 242 and 3TD's.

This was capped off by a dramatic 72-yard touchdown punt return by Eagles DeSean Jackson as time ran out, bringing back memories of "The Miracle at the Meadowlands" on November 19, 1978. That day saw Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards recover a fumble and returned it for a game winning touchdown.

This was one game, but for Michael Vick it was another day at redemption.  In August 2007, he pleaded guilty to federal felony charges for an  illegal interstate dog fighting ring that he had operated over five years. He served 21 months in prison, followed by two months in home confinement.With the loss of his NFL salary and product endorsement deals, combined with previous financial mismanagement, Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2008. Falcons owner Arthur Blank did not want Vick on the Falcons, and after attempts to trade him failed, Vick was released. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and was reinstated in Week 3 of the 2009 season.

But still today critics say he should not be in the NFL. He shouldn't have the privilege to play because of what he did in the past.

But I say he has paid his debt to society. He lost everything he had built up over the years, most importantly his reputation which to me is the most valuable thing a person has. Who are we to decide that a person can NOT make a living in the one thing he does best. Who are we to say he doesn't deserve to display his talents in the NFL and have a chance to rebuild his reputation and status in the national and local community.

In MY opinion he has the right to make a living doing what he does best, playing professional football. Is what he did inexcusable, YES! But should he be band from the NFL over it, NO!

I talked to a former member of PETA who told me while he doesn't root for him, he said he does have the right to play football  in the NFL

He has also said he wants to Get Dog to Help His Rehabilitation→ (story) to this I say you have displayed that in the past you were incapable of handling this important responsibility, therefore you should NEVER be trusted to own one again.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?