Tuesday night Michael Vick accepted the Ed Block Courage Award that was given to him through the votes of his teammates. The award is to honor the one member on each team who conducts himself as a “role model of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage.” As someone who gave Vick no credit upon his return to the NFL, leaving him with everything to prove in order to earn back my attention and concern, my stance on Vick has softened because of his commitment to this new phase in his life. The validation of his teammates speaks volumes. Yet the backlash Vick faced as he showed up in his tux to accept the award speaks as equally loud. Over 70 animal rights activists gathered to remind Vick they have not and will not forget. As he proceeds through the remainder of his career and beyond, this is a scene he will likely face time and time again. Perhaps this standing exercise in humility is his penance.
While his tenure in Philadelphia is unknown, Vick continues to look forward and believes firmly he should be leading an NFL offense. During an interview on The Fastlane Show, ESPN 101 in St. Louis, Vick spoke confidently about his ability to be a starting QB in the NFL:
“Oh yeah. Definitely. I say that with 200 percent confidence and not arrogance. I was born to play quarterback. Coming back last year and playing a couple of snaps, getting reps in practice, practicing with the scout team, going all the right places with the ball, reading other teams plays out, I know I can play quarterback. It’s easy and I’m ready for it. The minute I get an opportunity, the first chance I get, I will show the world that I’m ready to play quarterback for four full quarters.”
While I’m not inclined to offer my team, I would like to see him try.
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