His story is reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. From star player to heathen to prisoner to back up – to star again. This time, at a level much higher then ever before. Michael Vick has amazed football fans everywhere. His trail has been one of hardship and luckily, included a second chance. Still, there are those who, even after Vick’s completed prison sentence, don’t think he should be allowed in the NFL or state that he’s a worse player due to some decisions made in his past.
Our instincts to judge people on their past often lead us in the wrong direction. Sure, it can be a great determinant of the future, but there are always going to be fluctuations. Life is not a formula; those who fall don’t always stay down.
Vick is testament to this. So much so, (according to NBCs Peter King) President Obama took time out of his day to call the Philidelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie earlier this week to praise the coach of his ability to sympathize. The president thought that Lurie’s display of giving Vick a second chance could very well pave the way for other prisoners whom are released and so-called forgiven by their countrymen. The hope is that society will see this act – the potential that laid within Vick, that needed to be harvested in order to show.