There is a popular saying “that you can run, but you can’t hide”. This applies even if your speed was rated at 95 on Madden NFL 2004. One of the most elusive players to ever touch an NFL gridiron couldn’t duck and dodge public scrutiny and international lampooning for almost 3 years. Whether it was animal rights organizations, ESPN analysts, or everyday haters, Michael Vick has probably been called every derogatory name under the sun. Some of it was warranted, but most of it, in my opinion, was overkill. Despite all of the negativity Vick persevered, and as of yesterday, is at the very least $40 million richer. Not to mention, Vick has again been endorsed by Nike.

Vick’s 2010-2011 highlights

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1I_qwbnTiA

Vick has paid his debt to society and done more than his fair share of atonement. While I’m in no way trying to trivialize his past wrongs, I’m a firm believer in not retroactively punishing people upon release from prison. I’m proud of Vick not just for overcoming these hurdles, but for always being community oriented. Never in Vick’s career did the media ever pay attention to his philanthropic endeavors. In June 2006, Vick, along with his brother Marcus and mother Brenda, established The Vick Foundation, a nonprofit organization to support at-risk youth and the after school programs that serve them in the Metro Atlanta and Hampton Roads areas. That same year The Michael Vick Foundation provided 100 backpacks to poor children in Newport News and paid for an after-school program. Additionally, After the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007, Vick and the United Way donated $10,000 to assist families affected.

 

President Obama praising Michael Vick for his comeback.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvlC8bloJE8

As spectacular as he is on the field, he is equally as spectacular off of the field. I wrote this blog post not to pat Vick on the back for signing a 6 year $100 million contract, but because I knew that was all you would hear from the media. This blog post was written to recognize the humanitarian who happens to also be a good football player.