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Now that Packer’s Training Camp is under full swing and for the most part all players have reported to camp, with one exception(1st round, 9th overall pick B.J. Raji.), it has crossed my mind whether or not the Packer’s should consider adding a dynamic player to their roster. This dynamic player that I have in mind?..............
None other than former Atlanta Falcon’s quarterback Michael Vick.
Yes, the same Michael Vick that just completed a 23 month long federal prison sentence after convicted and sentenced to dogfighting charges. Since then Michael Vick has been reinstated by NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell and is eligible to play on week six upon completion of his NFL suspension. As crazy as it may sound, I believe he would be a good addition to any NFL roster. Many NFL teams have already stated publicly that they are not interested in Vick. I do not know the extension of Packer’s General Manager’s Ted Thompson interest in Vick, but what I do know is this. When recently asked for his take on Vick and I quote from the Green Bay Press Gazette, Ted Thompson stated, “What is the answer that we give to questions like this? We’re always looking to improve our team,” Thompson said. “We look at all options at all times. I wouldn’t care to speculate in terms of the odds or the percentages of signing Vick or anything like that. We look at everything. The routine that we go through is the same, It doesn’t mean any more that we are likely to do it or less likely. It’s a routine that we go through. It’s automatic.” Take it for what its worth. This may be a response as to avoiding the question or it may be the general answer. Ted Thompson would be selling Packer’s fans short if he was not always thinking of ways to improve the product on the field. However, one thing is certain. Ted Thompson unlike other General Manager’s and Head Coach’s for that matter did not 100% close the matter of the possibility on signing Vick.
I believe the additional of Michael Vick to the Green Bay Packer’s from a football standpoint would be excellent. Anytime you can bring in a dynamic, game changing player like Vick for now a reasonably low price makes sense to me. No matter where Vick is on the field he would have to be accounted for. In his prime he was a NFL Defensive Coordinators nightmare not as a passer, but as a runner and this is exactly how he should be used. I understand that the Packer’s have never used the so-called “wildcat” formation since the emergence of the spread offense in the NFL and that they have their quarterback for the future in Aaron Rodgers. However, there are no arguments personnel wise that the additional of Vick immediately brings a whole new dimension to an offense. They could use him sparingly. Bring him on the field once or twice during a drive to keep the defense playing honest. Defenses would have to account for him at all times. Even if you did not use him, he could be used as a decoy. Just the presence of Vick would be a factor. During the practice week leading up to the game, the opponents would have to set aside a period to scheme on how to defend him. This is what we are going to do if he is at quarterback? This is what we are going to do if he is in the backfield? This is what we are going to do if he is in the slot? The offensive possibilities are endless. Get Vick the ball in space he has the ability to make one or two guys miss. He could also have the option once receiving the ball to either run or throw. He would be the ultimate double threat.
However, there is a lot of baggage that would come with the signing of Vick. Dogfighting is an emotional issue. Many NFL fans, coaches, and players own dogs. Dogs have not earned the moniker of “Man’s best friend” for no reason. You could argue that just by signing him to your team that in a way you have condoned his actions in the past. I believe Vick has taken full responsibility for his actions and wants to change. I would not consider Vick in the same class as Adam “Pacman” Jones or Marshawn Lynch. Professional athletes have become targets. They also need to reconsider the individuals that they surround themselves by. Just by association you can get yourself into trouble. I believe Vick a prime example of this. He owned the property that his cousins rented from him and where the dogfighting ring was taking place. I believe that Vick to a certain extent knew and understood what was going on, but not to the severity. I believe he was taken advantage of by individuals who he thought who were his family, friends, and acquaintances. No, I am not simply making excuses for Vick, but I do believe in giving people a second chance. In the end, the federal authorities located the dogfighting ring and Michael Vick accepted the punishment and served his time. I believe Vick will take his mistake and lessons learned and turn it into a positive. He should be given a second chance if playing football in the NFL is what he wants to do. I hope he finds his way onto an NFL roster this season. I hope a team will give him that second chance, because I am curious to see the difference he will make not only on the field for a team, but off the field as well. I am not saying that the Green Bay Packer’s should pursue and sign Michael Vick, but like every single team in the NFL, I am 100% positive that they have at least taken the time to think about it.
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