Michael Vick - The Greatest Comeback of All Time?

[mellojello]

I can't think of any other man who has ever fallen so far and hard, yet came back stronger and better. It may be too early to say, but is he the greatest comeback story ever?

[Monomach]

I'm not terribly impressed by anyone who comes back from a self-imposed career hiatus. Is he playing well? Of course he is...but if he wins comeback player of the year, I'm going to be pissed.

[Brent]

Priest Holmes? In college and the pros that dude got **** on so many times.

[goldenbear.cal]

I want to say Tommy Maddox, but he couldn't keep his success for a long period. If Michael Vick can keep this up for 3-4 more years and not just be a one hit wonderm then not only would it be the greatest comeback, but it would justify his #1 pick selection overall.

[soybean]

rick ankiel?

[Jvig43]

It's a pretty amazing come back story, he totally deserves come back player of the year.

[gsorace]

Kurt Warner?

[descendency]

Roger Staubach?


rick ankiel?

I laughed so hard at this. On the same note: Josh Hamilton.

edit: Ray Lewi... oh wait, he didn't go to jail for killing that guy.

[SickwithIt1010]

Not of all time, i think Kurt's story is pretty good....but i do think Vick is the favorite for the comeback player of the year.

[stephenson86]

What about Vince Young, he got injured, has a bust up with the coach and got replaced by Kerry Collins only to come back and...oh wait the same thing happened again.

[vidae]

I'm not terribly impressed by anyone who comes back from a self-imposed career hiatus. Is he playing well? Of course he is...but if he wins comeback player of the year, I'm going to be pissed.

I couldn't agree with this more if I tried.

[JeffSamardzijaIRISH]

How is his hiatus self imposed? The dude didn't choose to go to jail. And yes, this has to be the best comeback ever. Going to jail for two years and then coming back 10x better than you were? Kurt Warner's story really isn't a comeback, because he wasn't anything before he "came back". But Vick, NFL superstar--who some were calling a bust and would never be a decent passer, arrested and goes to jail, then comes back and is in contention for the MVP award? Best comeback ever.

[superman8456]

I'm not terribly impressed by anyone who comes back from a self-imposed career hiatus. Is he playing well? Of course he is...but if he wins comeback player of the year, I'm going to be pissed.

Michael Vick killed dogs and got 18 months. Dante Stallworth got 30 days in jail for manslaughter. Don't give me "self-imposed hiatus" ********.

[Babylon]

Roger Staubach?




I laughed so hard at this. On the same note: Josh Hamilton.

edit: Ray Lewi... oh wait, he didn't go to jail for killing that guy.

This. Spent almost 5 years in the Navy after his college playing career was over, even did a tour in Nam.

[Maddenhero]

Josh Hamilton, Lance Armstrong

[tjsunstein]

Vick could have been doing this in Atlanta two years ago if he didn't derail his own career. I'm glad he grew up and finally got his act together but too little too late. Hamilton's story is better than his, although still self imposed. I'll take Lance over Vick. Not even close.

[mellojello]

I'm not terribly impressed by anyone who comes back from a self-imposed career hiatus. Is he playing well? Of course he is...but if he wins comeback player of the year, I'm going to be pissed.He's at fault for his past actions and from what I've heard from the man, he's not making any exscuses about that. Personally, I don't completely agree with Vick's acceptance of everything, but I understand where's he's coming from and why he has to do it.

I will say this though. Everyone makes mistatkes in life, all of us here included. To have so much going and to have it all taken away, the average man cannot recover from it. Most men would be broken and would have given up. Instead of doing what 99.9% of men would do, he accepted responsibility for his failure and is completely dedicating himself to realizing his full potential.

Honestly, I cannot think of another "comeback" story like this and I'm not talking about just football or sports.

[Job]

What about Mario Lemieux?

Is diagnosed with cancer in the 1993 NHL season. Undergoes radiation treatment and comes back after only 2 months to finish the season, and wins the Art Ross trophy given to the league's top scorer, notching the 3rd all-time best point-per-game ratio in NHL history. That was despite a severe back injury that would require surgery in the following off-season and make him miss a whole year (along with radiation treatment fatigue). Upon coming back, he wins another two straight scoring titles.

[bored of education]

Mark Herzlich.

[P-L]

Mark Herzlich.
Jon Lester. http://draftcountdown.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[bored of education]

Jon Lester. http://draftcountdown.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

umm Herzlich >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Lester

[Philliez01]

Michael Vick killed dogs and got 18 months. Dante Stallworth got 30 days in jail for manslaughter. Don't give me "self-imposed hiatus" ********.

Self-imposed isn't the right word at all, but the only reason there's a comeback is from his own actions. I am not getting into a morality argument as I'm sure this is this thread's destiny but he did this to himself, it wasn't out of his control....which is what I think that poster was attempting to convey

But so was Josh Hamilton's as well, he did the drugs and came back. So did Robert Downey, Jr.

There's nothing else Vick can do to satisfy those who aren't exactly supportive of him. It's not worth beating a dead horse (though I'm sure he'd have no issues with that ba-boom-doosh!) about.

Now greatest comeback ever is a bit hyperbolic. He's having a great season but it's only one season. Mario Lemieux came back from cancer as did Lance Armstrong (though I am not a fan of his at all) which is something out of your control and in Armstrong's case, could've killed him. To compete at such a level after a cancer spreading, is amazing regardless of your opinion of him.

Rick Ankiel's was cool though he never had the success Vick is having in his second act. Went from the lowest rungs of the Appalachian League to everyday player (now a bench guy but still impressive).

Now of all-time, outside of sports too? Downey Jr., Eliot Spitzer having a TV career, Charlie Sheen is always perpetually coming back.

But my vote goes to Zsa Zsa Gabor.....how she is still alive is beyond my beliefs.

Oh and....

How is his hiatus self imposed? The dude didn't choose to go to jail.

Well, technically he did since he did do a plea deal.

[vidae]

How is his hiatus self imposed? The dude didn't choose to go to jail. And yes, this has to be the best comeback ever. Going to jail for two years and then coming back 10x better than you were? Kurt Warner's story really isn't a comeback, because he wasn't anything before he "came back". But Vick, NFL superstar--who some were calling a bust and would never be a decent passer, arrested and goes to jail, then comes back and is in contention for the MVP award? Best comeback ever.

Wait, what? He knew the consequences, he knew what he was doing was wrong, and he still CHOSE to do it. He chose to deal with the consequences if he was caught, and he was.

[mellojello]

Now of all-time, outside of sports too? Downey Jr., Eliot Spitzer having a TV career, Charlie Sheen is always perpetually coming back.If we're talking entertainment, then it's got to be a name more like MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice falling, then making a comeback.

I think Mark Wahlberg made a bigger comeback in entertainment and if we're talking politics, then I would say Bill Clinton after the Lewinsky scandal.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Who cares whether Mike Vick is coming back from a self-imposed hiatus??

What if MV was an alcoholic or drug addict who cleaned himself up and performed at a pro bowl level upon his return??

Would that be more acceptable??

Being locked up in a federal prison for 2 years should have decapitated Vick's career and regulated him to permanent backup status.
Instead, two years out of prison, Vick is better than he's ever been.

If he doesn't win Comeback Player Of The Year, who should???

For my money, I'd take Staubach/Warner/Moon as the NFL's greatest comebacks, with a slight edge for Moon.

[vidae]

Who cares whether Mike Vick is coming back from a self-imposed hiatus??

What if MV was an alcoholic or drug addict who cleaned himself up and performed at a pro bowl level upon his return??

Would that be more acceptable??

Being locked up in a federal prison for 2 years should have decapitated Vick's career and regulated him to permanent backup status.
Instead, two years out of prison, Vick is better than he's ever been.

If he doesn't win Comeback Player Of The Year, who should???

For my money, I'd take Staubach/Warner/Moon as the NFL's greatest comebacks, with a slight edge for Moon.

Probably, seeing as how he didn't murder animals in that scenario.

[xxxxxxxx]

It's a pretty amazing come back story, he totally deserves come back player of the year.


Nah dude... then it would be fixed........

[Ness]

http://www.gcobb.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/RandallCunningham1.jpg

[Don Vito]

Mike Vick is amazing and he served his time for what he did, but I still don't feel sorry for him. You can bring up Stallworth or whatever but what Vick did was wrong no matter ho you slice it and I don't really have any sympathy for him. He has been playing unbelievable and I have always been a fan of what he can do on the field but it is ******* stupid how people are so quick to forgive and feel sorry for him.

[Monomach]

How is his hiatus self imposed? The dude didn't choose to go to jail. And yes, this has to be the best comeback ever. Going to jail for two years and then coming back 10x better than you were? Kurt Warner's story really isn't a comeback, because he wasn't anything before he "came back". But Vick, NFL superstar--who some were calling a bust and would never be a decent passer, arrested and goes to jail, then comes back and is in contention for the MVP award? Best comeback ever.

So...who forced the guy to become the Hitler to the canine world's Jews?

Michael Vick killed dogs and got 18 months. Dante Stallworth got 30 days in jail for manslaughter. Don't give me "self-imposed hiatus" ********.

Straw man. Vick didn't accidentally kill all of those dogs, and Stallworth didn't kill that guy on purpose.

He's playing well. It is what it is. He should count his lucky stars that he got another chance and is about to get paid. He should NOT be given awards for it. "Hey, man. Not everyone could kill a whole grip of dogs in sick, twisted ways despite knowing how wrong it is and then come back to make that cheddar. Good job, bro. The way you pulled that off is truly inspiring. Here's a plaque."

B.S.

Just give the award to someone who was injured last year and is successful this year. That's who should get it every year.

[NotRickJames]

As if I didn't have enough reasons to dislike him already, he's going to rip the award from Mike Williams.

[soybean]

I just can't wait til Tebow wins the sportsman award because he's MOTHER F***ing TIM TEBOW, you don't F*** WITH MOTHER F***ING TIM TEBOW!!! and ya know... all that god stuff.

[Monomach]

As if I didn't have enough reasons to dislike him already, he's going to rip the award from Mike Williams.

That's another guy I can't see giving it to. He basically ate his way out of the NFL. Coming back from twinkies and gallons of gravy doesn't do it for me.

My vote goes to either Urlacher or EJ Henderson.

[NotRickJames]

That's another guy I can't see giving it to. He basically ate his way out of the NFL. Coming back from twinkies and gallons of gravy doesn't do it for me.

My vote goes to either Urlacher or EJ Henderson.

He probably wouldn't have won it anyway. The award always goes to a high-profile player who returns from an injury. I could have seen them giving it to Welker.

[Don Vito]

Deion Branch has a chance too, but Mike Williams probably has him beat as far as WR's are concerned.

[Rosebud]

Dogs are cute and all, but I still am blown away by just how much people flipped their **** about Mike Vick. Especially when you have murderers still playing in the NFL, Stallworth, Leonard Little, Ray Lew...in summation Dogs < People, ergo Mike Vick > any of the murders who've played in the NFL.

[bearfan]

That's another guy I can't see giving it to. He basically ate his way out of the NFL. Coming back from twinkies and gallons of gravy doesn't do it for me.

My vote goes to either Urlacher or EJ Henderson.

Usually I agree with you on many things my fellow Bears fan...but on this I do not.

Players get injured every year and come back from them. Both those guys are doing well, but Mike Vick well? No.

Michael Vick may have taken some wrong turns with his life, but that should not discredit what he has had to do and what he is doing now. Not many NFL players can come back after being out of the NFL for a year or two in jail. Especially at the QB position. And then to take advantage of the opprotunities like he has and to play at the level he has been playing at? Huge comeback.

It's not only the performance, but it is also his re-inventing himself. He is a different QB than he was in ATL, he is playing like the QB everyone thought he would be.

Coming back to the NFL better than before is enough to warrant CBPoY for me.

[Don Vito]

Dogs are cute and all, but I still am blown away by just how much people flipped their **** about Mike Vick. Especially when you have murderers still playing in the NFL, Stallworth, Leonard Little, Ray Lew...in summation Dogs < People, ergo Mike Vick > any of the murders who've played in the NFL.

I agree with the fact that Lewis/Little/Stallworth are criminals, but it still doesn't make what Vick did right. He ****** up and paid his time, but the fact that he served his time and is back on the field shouldn't make him a feel good story. He is still a criminal, I love him as a player but that doesn't change my opinion on him as a person.

[Rosebud]

I agree with the fact that Lewis/Little/Stallworth are criminals, but it still doesn't make what Vick did right. He ****** up and paid his time, but the fact that he served his time and is back on the field shouldn't make him a feel good story. He is still a criminal, I love him as a player but that doesn't change my opinion on him as a person.

What should make a feel good story, the same tired underdog finally makes it crap that we've been spoon fed since we were kids? Mike Vick ****** up really badly and did something disgusting. But unlike guys like Little, who's murdered 2 people, one after having already murdered a person, he learned his lesson and took that motivation to turn his life around and become something to aspire to. Not Mike Vick the dog killer, but Mike Vick the comeback player of the year and potential league MVP is certainly something kids should be inspired by. It's what americans **** their brains out over, someone getting a second chance and re-creating themselves to take advantage. He is a criminal, but the NFL has a lot worse people in this league than Vick, hell I'd even argue Big Ben is a bigger scumbag than Vick, and what he's done since his release is incredible. People who are actually reformed by prison instead of indoctrinated should be commended and Mike Vick is one such example.

Now excuse me while I go vomit because I've had to defend a ******* iggle.

[vidae]

I don't think Little should have been allowed to keep playing either.

The sad thing is that these guys are role models for kids.

[Rosebud]

I don't think Little should have been allowed to keep playing either.

The sad thing is that these guys are role models for kids.

No the sad thing is that the level of parenting in this country is so awful that these guys are role models for ANY kids.

[wogitalia]

If Michael Vick can keep this up for 3-4 more years and not just be a one hit wonderm then not only would it be the greatest comeback, but it would justify his #1 pick selection overall.

How would it justify the #1 pick? He isn't with the Falcons anymore, he busted for them regardless of what he does now.

I don't particularly feel right giving Vick the comeback player award. He isn't actually coming back from anything but his own stupidity and disregard for the Law, not to mention that he came back last year and not this year.

Personally I think the comeback awards should be reserved more for overcoming injury or if you were forced into service or something similar to that, I'd rather see the award go to someone who has overcome adversity or done something to contribute to society rather than rewarding people for making awful decisions and then getting a second chance, for me the second chance is their reward.

Might just be me though...

[Monomach]

Dogs are cute and all, but I still am blown away by just how much people flipped their **** about Mike Vick. Especially when you have murderers still playing in the NFL, Stallworth, Leonard Little, Ray Lew...in summation Dogs < People, ergo Mike Vick > any of the murders who've played in the NFL.

This is another straw man. None of us are advocating Stallworth, Little, or Lewis for CBPotY, and none of us are clamoring for Vick to be thrown out. We just don't want to give the guy an award for doing disgusting, scumbag things. If he were this season's MVP (he's not), I'd say "ok, give him the MVP award." The MVP award has nothing to do with how much of a dirtbag you are.

He didn't overcome any kind of adversity. He just stopped killing things. That's not that big of an accomplishment. I've gone every day of my life without killing things. Where's my plaque?

[regoob2]

You shouldnt be rewarded for having to come back from going to jail because you ran a death ring.

[superman8456]

He didn't overcome any kind of adversity. He just stopped killing things. That's not that big of an accomplishment. I've gone every day of my life without killing things. Where's my plaque?

18 months in prison where he got exercise for at most 60 minutes a day! To come back from that with, what seems like, not losing a step at all is ridiculous. Let alone to play in the NFL and become a potential MVP candidate is pretty much impossible.

[P-L]

Deion Branch has a chance too, but Mike Williams probably has him beat as far as WR's are concerned.
What exactly is Deion Branch coming back from? Not having Tom Brady as his quarterback?

[Don Vito]

What exactly is Deion Branch coming back from? Not having Tom Brady as his quarterback?

Obscurity. Not saying he's going to win but he went from Super Bowl MVP to nothing, now he's playing very well again. So yes, Brady.

[regoob2]

18 months in prison where he got exercise for at most 60 minutes a day! To come back from that with, what seems like, not losing a step at all is ridiculous. Let alone to play in the NFL and become a potential MVP candidate is pretty much impossible.
That was the consequence for his actions. He's overcoming being a moron. Not something you honor.

[Jughead10]

Dogs are cute and all, but I still am blown away by just how much people flipped their **** about Mike Vick. Especially when you have murderers still playing in the NFL, Stallworth, Leonard Little, Ray Lew...in summation Dogs < People, ergo Mike Vick > any of the murders who've played in the NFL.

While I obviously agree humans are greater than dogs, and the PETA people piss me off quite often, Ray was never proven of anything. If anything he had knowledge of a murder that he kept quiet. And what Stallworth and Little did was wreckless to the highest degree, and not premeditated. Neither of them should be in the league. However I still think what Vick did was more heinous than anyone. They systematic murder by drowning, electricution, and hanging of several dogs is something only someone really evil could do. I would like to think I don't know anyone who could be that evil. However I do know people who have been stupid enough to drive drunk, including myself, just thankfully haven't hurt themselves or others.

And that argument that he has the right to earn a living after jail drives me crazy. Yes he has the right. But he can go work at Walmart. Any regular person who is convicted of a felon doesn't just go back to their old job after their time in prison.

[Cicero]

Definitely the greatest comeback of all time. He came back even better than when he left. I could care less what he does with his property in his private time.

[FUNBUNCHER]

What if Vick owned a cattle farm??
Would people be OK with him electrocuting Bessie, causing cerebral hemorrhages by shattering the cow's skull, or slitting its jugular veins and allowing said cow to bleed to death, would people be less outraged because the cow would afterwards be harvested for beef products??

Dogfighting is NOT to the death, it's mainly a submission sport or when another dog quits fighting. Yeah it's too bad that Vick had no use for dogs that were unwilling to fight, but why isn't MV allowed to move on from the horrific mistake of dogfighting after serving his federally mandated time in prison??

Some of yall really need to come down South, where pitbulls and wild pig matches are all the rage.
IMO Jamal Lewis acting as a middle man for a cocaine deal is much worse than Vick's crime.

I like dogs.
But I LOVE my species more.

[Shiver]

I think that is great post. But I think to further punish Vick by excluding him from CBPotY and MVP for past crimes is wrong. He served his time and yes you should be able to win for coming back period. Being gone for two years in your prime in PRISON and then playing at a level we haven't seen since Randall Cunningham's MVP season is more than worthy.

[Malaka]

I don't know about you guys, but Michael Vick was awesome at the beginning of the season; I thought he was untouchable.

But now he has quietly become so overrated that I cannot comprehend it. In the last 5 games he has thrown a pick in every single game, yes his stat line looks nice from the beginning of the season, but he just hasn't been as good since throwing that first pick.

As a player does he deserve the Comeback Player of the Year?

Well that depends on your definition of the Comeback Player of the Year same as how people define that an MVP must be on a winning team.

If your definition is ,loosely, any player out of football or insignificant the prior year who comes back to play at a very high level amongst his peers. Than yes Michael Vick is in fact the comeback player. Even though I believe he has recently been overrated, he still has won games for his team and even with the interceptions played well albeit not as great as everyone bleats. Combine that with his outstanding early season statistics he is the best player to make a "comeback."

On the other hand, If you believe comeback player of the year belongs to someone with an injury that debilitated them the year before or hindered their perfromance, then he is obviously not your man maybe someone like Osi (not sure if he qualifies this year though since he did have like 8 sacks last year) is your man then.

Unless there is a clear cut definition that I have no idea about then your choice is very subjective upon your belief on the definition of the award.

EDIT: Also enough with the strawman arguments in this thread, Vick did what he did and under the justice system of the United States he was found guilty and he served the sentence he was determined. There is nothing around it. He did it. It is done. It is over. Now he is back in the football league. This has nothing to do with Stallworth, or cattle, or Ray Lewis, or anyone else convicted of a crime. It's about Vick and the CPOTY.

[yourfavestoner]

I don't know about you guys, but Michael Vick was awesome at the beginning of the season; I thought he was untouchable.

But now he has quietly become so overrated that I cannot comprehend it. In the last 5 games he has thrown a pick in every single game, yes his stat line looks nice from the beginning of the season, but he just hasn't been as good since throwing that first pick.

As a player does he deserve the Comeback Player of the Year?

Well that depends on your definition of the Comeback Player of the Year same as how people define that an MVP must be on a winning team.

If your definition is ,loosely, any player out of football or insignificant the prior year who comes back to play at a very high level amongst his peers. Than yes Michael Vick is in fact the comeback player. Even though I believe he has recently been overrated, he still has won games for his team and even with the interceptions played well albeit not as great as everyone bleats. Combine that with his outstanding early season statistics he is the best player to make a "comeback."

On the other hand, If you believe comeback player of the year belongs to someone with an injury that debilitated them the year before or hindered their perfromance, then he is obviously not your man maybe someone like Osi (not sure if he qualifies this year though since he did have like 8 sacks last year) is your man then.

Unless there is a clear cut definition that I have no idea about then your choice is very subjective upon your belief on the definition of the award.

Really now? He's doing so much to both open up the run game and cover for an absolutely porous defense. What he does for a team cannot, and never will be, measured by pure statistics. Did you not see that game against the Giants last week? That is just an downright unreal level of football.

I think a lot of people are selling what he's done short. He's not just coming back from prison. The guy was an absolute social pariah - amongst the most hated people in the entire country. Everyone - from media to fans to NFL people - began downplaying his impact and the value of what he did for Atlanta, calling him an average player who you could never win anything of significance with. Not only that, but he was bankrupt from people essentially stealing and imbezzling money from him.


What he's come back from is nothing short of incredible. Is it his fault he put himself in that situation? Sure. But how does he not deserve credit for everything he's overcome?

[scottyboy]

honestly, when I thought people here couldn't get any dumber. I have read some of the dumbest bull **** ever.
Does he deserve Comeback player of the year? Yeah, i'll give him that. his level of play has been oustanding
Greatest comeback ever? get the hell out of here. Yea, he stopped brutally murdering animals, went to jail, and then came back to the NFL. he came back from his own stupidty? Not disrupting the natural order? This is just stupid.
And I swear, my IQ dropped a good 20+ points from reading funbuncher's post at the top of this page...and probably some from superman. dear lord.

[Malaka]

Really now? He's doing so much to both open up the run game and cover for an absolutely porous defense. What he does for a team cannot, and never will be, measured by pure statistics. Did you not see that game against the Giants last week? That is just an downright unreal level of football.

I think a lot of people are selling what he's done short. He's not just coming back from prison. The guy was an absolute social pariah - amongst the most hated people in the entire country. Everyone - from media to fans to NFL people - began downplaying his impact and the value of what he did for Atlanta, calling him an average player who you could never win anything of significance with. Not only that, but he was bankrupt from people essentially stealing and imbezzling money from him.


What he's come back from is nothing short of incredible. Is it his fault he put himself in that situation? Sure. But how does he not deserve credit for everything he's overcome?

I didn't say he played terrible nor did I point out that specific game, I merely pointed out the last 5 games, in which he has thrown a pick in every single one.

I do not doubt his importance to the team, have you seen Kolb play? Vick is the MVP of the Eagles without a doubt.

If you read on I write that I would choose Vick as the CPOTY, his play at the beginning of the year combined with some solid play has him easily written in at the spot for me I was just elaborating on the only reason he shouldn't be the winner and that is the definition of the award.

Vick has played excellent but has still been overrated to a degree. He absolutely massacred my favorite team, I do not doubt that, but that has little relevance to the way everyone praises Vick. His play is not as good as it was before that is all I inferred and if you disagree you don;t have to look at the statline you can just look at the scores of Eagles' games they've slowly been getting closer, and not to mention a bad loss to the Bears.

I may dislike the Eagles, but I will not let that cloud my judgement. Vick is the Comeback Player of the Year in my honest opinion, but has recently become overrated in eyes of media and the fans.

[FUNBUNCHER]

honestly, when I thought people here couldn't get any dumber. I have read some of the dumbest bull **** ever.
Does he deserve Comeback player of the year? Yeah, i'll give him that. his level of play has been oustanding
Greatest comeback ever? get the hell out of here. Yea, he stopped brutally murdering animals, went to jail, and then came back to the NFL. he came back from his own stupidty? Not disrupting the natural order? This is just stupid.
And I swear, my IQ dropped a good 20+ points from reading funbuncher's post at the top of this page...and probably some from superman. dear lord.

LOL!!

That's cool. You're not the first (or last) to go upside my head about being pro-MV.

But what bothered me the most about Vick's case is that dogfighting only became a federal offense in May 2007, Vick was charged in July 2007.

Just dumb ******* luck IMO.

Before then, especially in the South, it was a misdemeanor crime. You paid a fine and lost your dogs.
Up until the 1960s, dogfighting was a legally sanctioned sport by the United Kennel Club.
It's been historically one of the most popular underground sports throughout many rural states, and I always felt the gut level outrage was in part media driven.

WHat happened to PETA picketing any stadium where MV played??

And about equating the slaughter of livestock to dogfighting, there are hundreds of thousands of vegans who see no difference at all.

I only wondered morally if football fans saw a huge chasm of difference between the two, besides the fact that one is illegal and one is not, (unless you chose to slaughter and butcher a cow in your backyard!!).

[Halsey]

Are people really back to excuse making about Vick's crimes? If he did nothing wrong why did he keep it secret and then deny it for a long time? Seriously, just stop with the excuses. The mods should just ban that whole subject.

[scottyboy]

i have ZERO problem with Vick coming back and his play has been absolutely MVP level. I'm not going to discredit that at all.
I won't go into how ****** up, sick and stupid dog fighting is...but Vick gets absolutely no sympathy for his brutal treatment of dogs and going to jail. that's his own fault. You cannot justify that in anyway. because of WHAT he did, he shouldn't be praised as "greatest comeback ever". i believe that's for people who come back from things they can't control, not from being a scumbag and going to prison for brutality towards animals and well...you know...breakin the law.
and hey, inbreeding and incest is also common in the South...along with dog figthing, so more power to you.
jesus christ.

[tuan33]

Vick didn't get sentenced to jail just for dog fighting. He got 18 months for operating a gambling ring that crossed state boundaries, thus racketeering. The government doesn't care about him killing a dog, it's PETA and the news organizations playing that up. If Vick ran/shot a dog, he wouldn't even sniff what Stallworth got. It's the operating an illegal business without paying proper taxes that ****** him up.

You can kill people just don't screw the government out of its money and you're fine.

[Shiver]

That is a very good point. He wasn't even going to get caught until the Federal Government got involved due to the instate activity. The DA in Virginia was completely incompetent and there is no way Vick would have been convicted by the state.

[vidae]

I'm sick of seeing "oh you should come to the south, that is complete commonplace here!11!1!1." That is the most ridiculous argument I think I've ever seen in regards to this. It might happen, but it IS a big deal there too. Downplaying that is flat out ********.

[San Diego Chicken]

He's still a low-life, which spoils it for me completely. I admit that Vick is a great talent, but he really shouldn't be in the NFL. I'm pretty shocked at how quickly and neatly the birthday party shooting has been swept under the rug. Lets re-cap. Vick's co-defendant in the dog fighting case gets into some type of altercation with MV and gets shot (by the invisible man, apparently) 5 minutes after Vick leaves. He shouldn't be associating with him anyway and most likely violated several protocals of his probation with the federal government and the NFL.

Great talent, but shouldn't be an NFL player, IMO. I feel like he's lost that privilege. If Goodell was the disciplinarian he makes himself out to be, he would have suspended Vick for the season just to be careful. Now Vick #7 kids jerseys are flying off of the shelves. Scary thought.

[Shiver]

Oh, well if San Diego Chicken, moral judge of the universe deems him to have lost his NFL privilege let it be so.

[vidae]

Well hey, if Shiver disagrees, he MUST be right!

[Shiver]

You don't like it, don't watch the games, don't buy NFL merchandise. Last time I checked there is something called the free market where a player like Michael Vick, who PAID for his crimes, is eligible to return to employment/society.

So would you be in favor of laws that prohibit anyone with a criminal record to be ineligible to work related bonuses across the board? Why should that kind of holier than thou attitude only be applied in the world of sports?

[vidae]

No, you're absolutely right Shiver, and if anyone disagrees with your opinion they are DEAD WRONG.

[Shiver]

Well, in this case, yes absolutely. Unless you think that all former convicts should not have opportunities for employment, or even being rewarded for their work if they do excel, due to past sins is acceptable in American society. Like I said, don't give the NFL your hard earned money if you don't like it.

[San Diego Chicken]

It's Roger Goodell's policy and his words that are the discussion here, Shiver, not what I think. I think Vick's a lowlife scumbucket. Goodell is trying (not very hard) to keep lowlife thugs out of his league. Lie to us then and let every thug back in the league and reverse the suspensions you gave to people like Pac-Man and Tank Williams, and Ben Roethlisberger who was exonerated much in the same manner that Vick was for the shooting, minus the prior history.

[Shiver]

Just so you know Goodell was and is dead wrong in the suspensions he gave out. Especially when he superseded the criminal justice system. It is really telling how weak the NFLPA is that they can't even stand up to a commissioner that punishes players for nothing more than hearsay and conjecture with no legitimate course of appeal and arbitration. It was in his power to do, but it was an abuse of said power.

[San Diego Chicken]

You don't like it, don't watch the games, don't buy NFL merchandise. Last time I checked there is something called the free market where a player like Michael Vick, who PAID for his crimes, is eligible to return to employment/society.

So would you be in favor of laws that prohibit anyone with a criminal record to be ineligible to work related bonuses across the board? Why should that kind of holier than thou attitude only be applied in the world of sports?

Let me answer that question. No, I wouldn't be in favor of such laws. You seem to be under the impression that the free market only goes one way. Corporations are absolutely allowed to discriminate on the basis of prior criminal acts and personal conduct. If Vick doesn't like it, he can go play in the UFL, or flip burgers for all I care. He deserves to. That's my opinion, but I don't apologize for it.

[Shiver]

They can, they didn't, Vick is now in the league. Now that he is employed he is completely eligible to whatever performance recognition there is in his employment.

[P-L]

Just so you know Goodell was and is dead wrong in the suspensions he gave out. Especially when he superseded the criminal justice system. It is really telling how weak the NFLPA is that they can't even stand up to a commissioner that punishes players for nothing more than hearsay and conjecture with no legitimate course of appeal and arbitration. It was in his power to do, but it was an abuse of said power.
The NFL is a business. Any other business can suspend or fire an employee charged with a felony. They don't have to wait and see if that person is convicted in a court of law. Why should NFL players get special treatment?

[Forenci]

Just so you know Goodell was and is dead wrong in the suspensions he gave out. Especially when he superseded the criminal justice system. It is really telling how weak the NFLPA is that they can't even stand up to a commissioner that punishes players for nothing more than hearsay and conjecture with no legitimate course of appeal and arbitration. It was in his power to do, but it was an abuse of said power.

How is he wrong? It's not the ******* criminal justice system. The NFL is a business and it can do whatever the hell it wants. Obviously it can't discriminate, but this is assumed knowledge within any business practice. Not to mention players can appeal these punishments, but the vast majority don't or end up losing out.

If you don't want to be fined or suspended then keep your name out of the paper for negative reasons. It's not hard to do, it's just most of the time players put themselves in ****** situations, whether they are the catalyst of the event or not.

In regards to your other posts, about giving second chances to convicted criminals, I agree - but you're acting like this is a common occurrence. I'd love to hear how many people who had good jobs went back to their former employer and received a significant amount of money, rewards, etc. after committing and serving time for a felony. I'm guessing very, very, few.

For someone with such strong opinions Shiver, I would presume you'd respect other peoples too. San Diego Chicken probably isn't alone in his idea of thinking Vick and others shouldn't be allowed back in the league, and honestly, because it's a tremendous privilege to play in the NFL, he's got a pretty valid point.

Oh, and not to mention Vick has been given NUMEROUS chances to redeem himself. You're acting like people won't give Vick a job to work as a bag boy in the grocery store (which many stores wont to felons). He's still getting paid millions of dollars and will get a huge pay day this off-season.

I can certainly see how people wouldn't want Vick getting the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Vick has been given his second chance by being allowed back in the league. Most people here don't seem to care if he's back in the league either, it's just some people think it's idiotic to award the guy for being a scumbag and having to come back from that.

It's one thing to give second chances (which I'm a HUGE believer it), but why in the world should anyone reward stupidity, and despicable actions?

[Jvig43]

How is he wrong? It's not the ******* criminal justice system. The NFL is a business and it can do whatever the hell it wants. Obviously it can't discriminate, but this is assumed knowledge within any business practice. Not to mention players can appeal these punishments, but the vast majority don't or end up losing out.

If you don't want to be fined or suspended then keep your name out of the paper for negative reasons. It's not hard to do, it's just most of the time players put themselves in ****** situations, whether they are the catalyst of the event or not.

In regards to your other posts, about giving second chances to convicted criminals, I agree - but you're acting like this is a common occurrence. I'd love to hear how many people who had good jobs went back to their former employer and received a significant amount of money, rewards, etc. after committing and serving time for a felony. I'm guessing very, very, few.

For someone with such strong opinions Shiver, I would presume you'd respect other peoples too. San Diego Chicken probably isn't alone in his idea of thinking Vick and others shouldn't be allowed back in the league, and honestly, because it's a tremendous privilege to play in the NFL, he's got a pretty valid point.

Oh, and not to mention Vick has been given NUMEROUS chances to redeem himself. You're acting like people won't give Vick a job to work as a bag boy in the grocery store (which many stores wont to felons). He's still getting paid millions of dollars and will get a huge pay day this off-season.

I can certainly see how people wouldn't want Vick getting the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Vick has been given his second chance by being allowed back in the league. Most people here don't seem to care if he's back in the league either, it's just some people think it's idiotic to award the guy for being a scumbag and having to come back from that.

It's one thing to give second chances (which I'm a HUGE believer it), but why in the world should anyone reward stupidity, and despicable actions?

I think what it comes down to is whether or not a person believes he really has become a changed man and he feels bad for what he has done or that he is just playing along with it and hasn't changed at all. I certainly hope hes honest when he says he understands whathe did was wrong and he wishes he could take it back, but no one can know for certain. Thus far he's done what he's needed to do to prove he's changed but like I said who can say? What it's come down to here is whether people believe what he did was unforgivable, or that he really is sorry for what he's done, realizes he made a mistake and is trying to get back to the top. If were talking about CPOTY then no one has missed as much time as he has and then come back to this elite of a level, regardless of what he's done.

[superman8456]

Greatest comeback ever? get the hell out of here. Yea, he stopped brutally murdering animals, went to jail, and then came back to the NFL. he came back from his own stupidty? Not disrupting the natural order? This is just stupid.


I don't believe people think it might be the greatest comeback ever because "he cam back from his own stupidity". I believe it is the fact that for 18 months, he only got one hour of exercise per day and lived on a diet that isn't very beneficial for athletes. Despite those two factors, he came back to the NFL and played at a level that is higher to his previous playing days. Michael Vick isn't just playing well, he is absolutely dominating. He is the sole reason the Eagles are even competitive this season.

Edit: But then again, I also believe he faced the greatest adversity, so I'm biased. I also believe that it is a little awkward because he technically played last year, so he's not really coming back this season.

[Forenci]

I think what it comes down to is whether or not a person believes he really has become a changed man and he feels bad for what he has done or that he is just playing along with it and hasn't changed at all. I certainly hope hes honest when he says he understands whathe did was wrong and he wishes he could take it back, but no one can know for certain. Thus far he's done what he's needed to do to prove he's changed but like I said who can say? What it's come down to here is whether people believe what he did was unforgivable, or that he really is sorry for what he's done, realizes he made a mistake and is trying to get back to the top. If were talking about CPOTY then no one has missed as much time as he has and then come back to this elite of a level, regardless of what he's done.

Personally, I do believe he has changed. But regardless of said changes, it can't alter the past. He is still accountable for his mistakes and as such I find it difficult to give him an award which is meant to be inspiring and not solely based on statistics (as the past as indicated), but rather based on coming back from something out of your control, like an injury.

There's no doubt him coming back and playing at this high of a level is amazing, but I really don't feel like that's the point of the award. If you want to give him the MVP, I'm fine with that, because it has to do with being the Most Valuable Player - which he easily may be.

[scottyboy]

he also had a whole freaking year of doing nothing but working out, practicing, and holding clipboards last year. He didn't walk straight from a jail cell to the starting QB job and putting up the asburd numbers he is now.
And yea, he only got an hour a day. But it's not like he sat in prison pounding down brewskies and cupcakes. He was still in shape. Granted not football shape, but still excellent shape due to conditioning and shape prior to prison. That year of doing nothing BUT getting in football shape balances that out pretty well.

[SickwithIt1010]

he also had a whole freaking year of doing nothing but working out, practicing, and holding clipboards last year. He didn't walk straight from a jail cell to the starting QB job and putting up the asburd numbers he is now.
And yea, he only got an hour a day. But it's not like he sat in prison pounding down brewskies and cupcakes. He was still in shape. Granted not football shape, but still excellent shape due to conditioning and shape prior to prison. That year of doing nothing BUT getting in football shape balances that out pretty well.

If this happened to 10 guys I bet only 1 would have the success Vick is having. I dont think people understand just how tough this comeback would be. This guy went 2 years in prison in which he may have been able to work out an hour a day, but I doubt he got to throw the pigskin around everyday, he didnt get to run routes, he didnt get to run sprints....these are all things that over a period of time go away.

Last year he was a formation specialist, he didnt get much playing time, so i dont see how last year really helped him to get into his success now....being a wildcat QB and playing everyday is much much different. He got to practice all the time, but practice speed and game speed is nowhere near the same. There is no comparison.

[scottyboy]

it's not like he was a freaking rookie. He played, and started and was a moderately successful starting NFL QB. I said his stint last year helped him get in shape at practice and learn the playbook. it's not like he was thrust straight from jail to the field. he was able to get these things back with a full year of NFL practice...
but hey, David Robinson had to take 2 years off for military service and then became a HOF Center.
I'm just saying, is what he's doing amazing, especially considering his numbers and UNREAL play this year? yes. but it is FAR away from being the greatest comeback of all time

[Forenci]

If this happened to 10 guys I bet only 1 would have the success Vick is having. I dont think people understand just how tough this comeback would be. This guy went 2 years in prison in which he may have been able to work out an hour a day, but I doubt he got to throw the pigskin around everyday, he didnt get to run routes, he didnt get to run sprints....these are all things that over a period of time go away.

Last year he was a formation specialist, he didnt get much playing time, so i dont see how last year really helped him to get into his success now....being a wildcat QB and playing everyday is much much different. He got to practice all the time, but practice speed and game speed is nowhere near the same. There is no comparison.

Did you watch him last year? He looked really slow. He got a year plus of being able to get in shape, learn the playbook, improve his work ethic. Plus OTAs, minicamps, training camp, preseason, etc.

I don't think what he's done is anymore impressive than a guy coming off a knee injury. In fact, it's probably easier because knee injuries can hinder your ability to preform and train at a high level, where as Vick was just out of shape and missed some time playing.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Reminiscent of the Atlanta days. I do miss the hell out of Michael Vick, but I certainly have grown weary of the constant argument involved with him.


Who gives a **** if it's the greatest comeback story ever or not? The guy went from someone who carried a team (and quite frankly, a city) on pure athletic ability, to having everything taken away. And now he came back and has become one of the best players in the NFL by redirecting everything about himself. Call it whatever you want, but it's ******* amazing.

[Smooth Criminal]

I'm very impressed with everything Vick has done and his comeback. I never thought he stood a chance at finding success in the league after his jail time. The season he is having is nothing short of shocking to me. He has made himself one of the most talented players in the league, not simply getting by on physical tools alone.

That said, I'm hesistant to give him too much credit because the only reason he missed any time is because of his own criminal actions. Great season and all, but I'd much rather give the title greatest comeback every a player that didn't cause their own demise in the first place. I think it should certianly go to someone that overcame an obstacle that they didn't put in front of themselves.

[igglefanz]

Now before I start this yes obviously I am an Eagles fan and can take what I say with a grain of salt. Also I do own 3 dogs and am also a Humane society volunteer and active in AKC events.

Now what Vick has done this season is amazing. He has turned his life around but putting this up with Armstrong, Mario Lemieux, and others that have faced down death or life threatening injuries is laughable.

Now as of CBPOTY yes I do believe he deserves it. He went from basically if you look in ATL one of the best players in the league to a season of holding a clipboard to probably runner up in the MVP race. 2 years in prison or not in between anyone that has done that been demoted to a gimmick/3rd string to where he is now is a comeback. Any other QB hands down going from starter to third string to starter at Vicks current level again would get the nod hands down.

Now as of the dog thing yes it makes me sick to think it but it is sadly all to common everywhere. This is not a race issue either but a society as a whole issue. People starve their pets, neglect them, abuse them, beat them, run puppy mills, among other things. Its a sad fact of life but not everyone holds animal life in the same regard. Now what Vick did is brutal, I mean worst of the worst but so have alot of people. Look it up compassion for animals is more of a learned behavior, It is not natural or genetic.

Hell even our species at one time would of pitted humans against humans in mortal combat during ancient times. Compassion for animals has evolved but yet still as a society we find dragging a fish in by a metal hook to the mouth is ok. (( and before you get on me I do love to fish and continue to do so))Do that to a dog drag it around by a hook is cruel. We have as a society placed certain standards on what animals we can be cruel to and what we can't. Not everyone has the same standards either.

I am not going to sit here and scream at Vick for what he did. It was wrong but I am not going to crucify him for it. My first response when he was signed was oh my god why my team. But he is making a honest effort to change his life, now do i think he totally loves dogs, probably not but I don't know. I do know this being around the Humane society and he gets to see the sadness of some of the things but also he gets to see acts of compassion and only Vick knows how that effects him.

The best way to combat animal abuse is through awareness not radical measures like making hate shirts of Vick like a certain group likes to do. The NFL is full of drug abuse, wife beaters, cheaters, and gods knows what else. If we all knew everything that goes on convicted or not we would be sick. And what happened with Vick's birthday party and shooting if you would of not just heard the news reports Vick didn't know that his former friend was there ran into him and left the party. Who shot him I dont know but there is no evidence whatsoever that Vick did or instructed anyone to. He removed himself from the situation the NFL and Eagles have the police report. If they thought in ANY way he was involved he would of been gone. To use that as an excuse is absurd.

In closing I know people are going to have their own opinions and whatever you feel is your own opinion. If you hate Vick I totally understand but do realize that a good part of the NFL is full of people that are not very good people. Alot have done things that deserve jail time some have gotten it some haven't. We all have made mistakes, some are stupid some are brutal and some are evil. But what are we to prove by being hateful towards another person.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Did you watch him last year? He looked really slow. He got a year plus of being able to get in shape, learn the playbook, improve his work ethic. Plus OTAs, minicamps, training camp, preseason, etc.

I don't think what he's done is anymore impressive than a guy coming off a knee injury. In fact, it's probably easier because knee injuries can hinder your ability to preform and train at a high level, where as Vick was just out of shape and missed some time playing.

What player can take off two years from the game at QB(!!??), be a backup for a year, and come back BETTER than he ever was playing the position??

I know he's a player on a rival squad, but come on let's give the man his due.

MV met his downfall from his own hubris, very human and all too common among very successful people.

For Vick to excel again in football when few teams even viewed him as an NFL starter coming out of prison really is unheard of.

[Job]

Now before I start this yes obviously I am an Eagles fan and can take what I say with a grain of salt. Also I do own 3 dogs and am also a Humane society volunteer and active in AKC events.

Now what Vick has done this season is amazing. He has turned his life around but putting this up with Armstrong, Mario Lemieux, and others that have faced down death or life threatening injuries is laughable.

Now as of CBPOTY yes I do believe he deserves it. He went from basically if you look in ATL one of the best players in the league to a season of holding a clipboard to probably runner up in the MVP race. 2 years in prison or not in between anyone that has done that been demoted to a gimmick/3rd string to where he is now is a comeback. Any other QB hands down going from starter to third string to starter at Vicks current level again would get the nod hands down.

Now as of the dog thing yes it makes me sick to think it but it is sadly all to common everywhere. This is not a race issue either but a society as a whole issue. People starve their pets, neglect them, abuse them, beat them, run puppy mills, among other things. Its a sad fact of life but not everyone holds animal life in the same regard. Now what Vick did is brutal, I mean worst of the worst but so have alot of people. Look it up compassion for animals is more of a learned behavior, It is not natural or genetic.

Hell even our species at one time would of pitted humans against humans in mortal combat during ancient times. Compassion for animals has evolved but yet still as a society we find dragging a fish in by a metal hook to the mouth is ok. (( and before you get on me I do love to fish and continue to do so))Do that to a dog drag it around by a hook is cruel. We have as a society placed certain standards on what animals we can be cruel to and what we can't. Not everyone has the same standards either.

I am not going to sit here and scream at Vick for what he did. It was wrong but I am not going to crucify him for it. My first response when he was signed was oh my god why my team. But he is making a honest effort to change his life, now do i think he totally loves dogs, probably not but I don't know. I do know this being around the Humane society and he gets to see the sadness of some of the things but also he gets to see acts of compassion and only Vick knows how that effects him.

The best way to combat animal abuse is through awareness not radical measures like making hate shirts of Vick like a certain group likes to do. The NFL is full of drug abuse, wife beaters, cheaters, and gods knows what else. If we all knew everything that goes on convicted or not we would be sick. And what happened with Vick's birthday party and shooting if you would of not just heard the news reports Vick didn't know that his former friend was there ran into him and left the party. Who shot him I dont know but there is no evidence whatsoever that Vick did or instructed anyone to. He removed himself from the situation the NFL and Eagles have the police report. If they thought in ANY way he was involved he would of been gone. To use that as an excuse is absurd.

In closing I know people are going to have their own opinions and whatever you feel is your own opinion. If you hate Vick I totally understand but do realize that a good part of the NFL is full of people that are not very good people. Alot have done things that deserve jail time some have gotten it some haven't. We all have made mistakes, some are stupid some are brutal and some are evil. But what are we to prove by being hateful towards another person.

You sound like someone who's not blatantly ********. This board could use more of those. Please start posting more.

[unself]

Good post, Igglez. Nice to see someone demonstrating a bit of perspective in this thread. You articulated a lot of what I was thinking, so that's all.

[JeffSamardzijaIRISH]

How is it relevant at all if what he did was because of himself, or if what he did was gruesome??? He left the game, went to prison, and came back better than before, quite possibly the best player in the league this year. How is he not "eligible" for the greatest comeback ever?

[San Diego Chicken]

I think what it comes down to is whether or not a person believes he really has become a changed man and he feels bad for what he has done or that he is just playing along with it and hasn't changed at all. I certainly hope hes honest when he says he understands whathe did was wrong and he wishes he could take it back, but no one can know for certain. Thus far he's done what he's needed to do to prove he's changed but like I said who can say?

Like I said, the shooting at the party is basically all I need to know to believe that he hasn't changed, is still a thug, and should be banned from the league permanently. The guy who got shot testified against Vick in court. I don't care if he got struck by a bolt of lighting in Siberia, I'd still be suspicious of Vick. The fact that he was shot at Vick's freaking party, and he and all witnesses refused to name the shooter, that shouldn't sit well with anyone with a pulse that has an IQ above 80.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Look, Vick screwed up by hosting an open party; he didn't order a 'hit' on some dude.
There are tons of Vick sycophants in Virginia Beach would have popped that guy just because....and MV would have had nothing to do with it.

Remember, the guy and Vick had words inside the club at the party, Vick immediately left, and I'm sure some people were pissed that this guy was responsible for Vick having to leave early from his own b-day party.

Next thing you know, someone gets shot.

Now Vick is ordering 'hits' AFTER he's been reinstated to the league?? If that was the case, you would think he would have silenced his co-conspirators to prevent them from testifying in the first place.

It was poor judgement attending an openly promoted event, IMO, but I don't see how you connect those dots back to MV.

[Brown Leader]

Chalk full of self righteous bull **** & hyperbole in this thread
and the winner...
So...who forced the guy to become the Hitler to the canine world's Jews?




Yes this comeback deserves to be in the same discussion with the greatest sports comebacks.

It doesn't matter if you walk into a bus or someone pushes you, your still seriously ****** up, and coming back from it, better, stronger and wiser is no less impressive. Focusing on the motivation for the tragedy is irrelevant.

Nothing is written that the conditions for honoring a comeback rests on whether it was personal choices made or unforeseen circumstances. Entering military service or rejecting it, early retirement, bad life choices or making sacrifices, all qualify.

It pains me to see a dog suffer but it's always struck me as morally off kilter to come down so harshly on a man for creating a dog fighting business with dogs historically bred to be fighting animals. Not much uproar over the ill treatment of greyhounds in dog racing or coyote hunting. Not to mention little issue at all with the upstanding man and women who like to "sport" hunt.

In addition to leading his team into the post season, by all accounts, Vick is a changed man and working to correct the damage he caused on his legion of young fans.

[wonderbredd24]

The number of extremely talented athletes that signed up to serve after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, thereby giving up several great years of their professional sports careers in service to their country, and then came back (the ones that were able) and play at a very high level again think this thread is an absolute joke.

[scottyboy]

How is it relevant at all if what he did was because of himself, or if what he did was gruesome??? He left the game, went to prison, and came back better than before, quite possibly the best player in the league this year. How is he not "eligible" for the greatest comeback ever?

he did it to himself. it was his own dumb fault he went to jail. doesn't matter if it was for cheating his freakin' taxes, he broke the law. it gets more headlines because of WHAT he did, but regardless, it was his own fault. and, i guess this is the key thing, my opinion, it shouldn't be the greatest comeback ever if it was due to his own stupidity and breaking the law.
is it really that hard to not be a criminal?

[Forenci]

What player can take off two years from the game at QB(!!??), be a backup for a year, and come back BETTER than he ever was playing the position??

I know he's a player on a rival squad, but come on let's give the man his due.

MV met his downfall from his own hubris, very human and all too common among very successful people.

For Vick to excel again in football when few teams even viewed him as an NFL starter coming out of prison really is unheard of.

Except if you'd ever read my other posts I give Mike Vick a ton credit and fully acknowledge he's one of the best players in the league, no question. But is it any more impressive than Drew Brees coming off a major shoulder injury and playing at an unreal level? Or Tom Brady coming off an ACL injury and playing at a MVP level? To me? Not really, no. I think it's more difficult coming back from a major knee injury than it is coming back off not playing football for 18 months and getting a redshirt year to regain your abilities.

But that doesn't mean it's not impressive in it's own right. Vick came back from a couple years off, but had plenty of time to get back in shape and study behind McNabb for a year. People are acting like he just got out of jail before this season. Had he been thrown into this situation last year he would have monumentally sucked.

[FUNBUNCHER]

When Plax comes back to the NFL and makes the pro bowl, you won't see me dogging him out.

And yes, he'll deserve the Comeback POTY award too.

[scottyboy]

ohhh...because I'm a Giants fan and Plax helped us win the super bowl...so now i'm supposed to agree with you so I can look good by calling Plax the greatest comeback ever...oh wait
that's a pretty fine strawman argument, kudos to you on it

[Babylon]

What player can take off two years from the game at QB(!!??), be a backup for a year, and come back BETTER than he ever was playing the position??

I know he's a player on a rival squad, but come on let's give the man his due.

MV met his downfall from his own hubris, very human and all too common among very successful people.

For Vick to excel again in football when few teams even viewed him as an NFL starter coming out of prison really is unheard of.

Roger Staubach and how is this even close, the guy was out of football for almost 5 years and even spent a freaking year in Nam.

[SickwithIt1010]

I think it's more difficult coming back from a major knee injury than it is coming back off not playing football for 18 months and getting a redshirt year to regain your abilities.

This right here makes me think that you've never played football. Practice is nothing like a game, he can go through a million practices and its not going to compare to the speed and atmosphere of a game, especially after sitting out playing as little as he did last year. He got to practice for a year, whoopty ******* doo, the fact that he played as well as he did so quickly is ridiculous.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Roger Staubach and how is this even close, the guy was out of football for almost 5 years and even spent a freaking year in Nam.
Chill out about Staubach going to 'Nam. He never saw combat, per orders from the U.S. military.

He admitted pushing paper during his tour of duty.

2 year in a federal penitentiary is IMO roughly equal to playing touch football on the beaches of Vietnam.

He's still one of fave QBs alltime, but let's stop acting like he was friggin' John Rambo!!!!

However, 5 years out of competitive football since college and then leading the Cowboys to 5 SB appearances is a bit more of a challenge than having been in the pros, out for two, and back in again.

[Babylon]

Chill out about Staubach going to 'Nam. He never saw combat, per orders from the U.S. military.

He admitted pushing paper during his tour of duty.

2 year in a federal penitentiary is IMO roughly equal to playing touch football on the beaches of Vietnam.

He's still one of fave QBs alltime, but let's stop acting like he was friggin' John Rambo!!!!

However, 5 years out of competitive football since college and then leading the Cowboys to 5 SB appearances is a bit more of a challenge than having been in the pros, out for two, and back in again.

The differance with being in Nam as opposed to Iraq or Afghanistan is you had minimal contact with the world for a year unlike guys nowadays who are on the computers and cell phones all the time. I spent 13 months over there chasing Charlie but i never downplayed what others did while in country.

By the way China beach, which is in Danang, was not like being in Malibu, it was a very dangerous place back in 67.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Roger Staubach has stated in interviews the most strenuous thing he did in 'Nam was play touch football. His biggest challenge, other than procurement and shipping ammunition and supplies to Marine bases in South Vietnam, was boredom.

Agree he was more isolated than today's soldiers, but when people bring up Staubach's war record, it's almost assumed he was catching bullets.
Not dissing him, just saying.

He did have several close friends and classmates killed during the War.

[Babylon]

Roger Staubach has stated in interviews the most strenuous thing he did in 'Nam was play touch football. His biggest challenge, other than procurement and shipping ammunition and supplies to Marine bases in South Vietnam, was boredom.

Agree he was more isolated than today's soldiers, but when people bring up Staubach's war record, it's almost assumed he was catching bullets.
Not dissing him, just saying.

He did have several close friends and classmates killed during the War.

I hear what you're saying. Thing is if you're in country your in harms way, no matter how Roger wants to spin it, that is why they get combat pay.

[scottyboy]

Who cares what he did? The fact and really the discussion was he was
Out of football for a long period of time an came back.

[prock]

So...who forced the guy to become the Hitler to the canine world's Jews?

Hmmm, I didn't know that Mike Vick murder dogs for fun. This is a pretty ignorant comparison. Be quiet.



Straw man. Vick didn't accidentally kill all of those dogs, and Stallworth didn't kill that guy on purpose.

People who think killing dogs is unforgivable, yet make excuses for people who DRIVE DRUNK and kill PEOPLE should be subjected to immediate capital punishment, no trial or jury, just to prevent them from spreading their seed on and making the world a more intelligent place.

[Philliez01]

Well if Vick wins it, I can just see Roger Goodell taking credit for it. It'd be a PR to show that he turned Vick's life around.....then great PR follows as the league enters lockout.

[Forenci]

This right here makes me think that you've never played football. Practice is nothing like a game, he can go through a million practices and its not going to compare to the speed and atmosphere of a game, especially after sitting out playing as little as he did last year. He got to practice for a year, whoopty ******* doo, the fact that he played as well as he did so quickly is ridiculous.

Except that I have, not that it has any relevance to subject at hand.

And I'm sure because you played high school football it's comparable to what practice is like at an NFL level. Training camp and practice holds huge value in all professional sports, and it's how most coaches decide if a player is ready or not.

It's more than just practice too. Vick had plenty of time to run, lift weights, read the playbook, and prepare himself for the NFL. Not to mention he decided to stop being lazy and actually find some work ethic by his own admission. My guess is his new found work ethic had more to do with his success than anything else.

I'm not saying what he's done isn't very impressive, but compared to somebody coming off a serious injury who has to not only battle time off from the injury but the pain, setbacks, and limitations that come from an injury are just as difficult, if not more so than not playing football for 18 months.

[unself]

Hmmm, I didn't know that Mike Vick murder dogs for fun. This is a pretty ignorant comparison. Be quiet.


This is pretty awful too. First, I imagine the Hitler comparison was at least somewhat tongue in cheek. Second, your assessment of Hitler and Vick are pretty off base. Hitler had a purpose (albeit unconscionable) in killing, it's a big misguided to suggest that he did it for the fun. Vick also had a purpose; obviously he enjoyed the spectacle of dog-fighting while running a business. So, like Hitler, you certainly can't take "fun" out of the equation entirely, it's a little too charitable.