1888...Michael Vick Gets Award

Michael Vick, the former superstar quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons who flamed out, was convicted of being very, very, very bad to dogs under his control and did some time in jail for that malfeasance, said that he is "...very humbled..." The reason for his humility is that Mr. Vick is one of 32 NFL players, one from each team, to receive The Ed Block Courage Award.

He was honoured last night at an awards ceremony in Baltimore. The award, named after longtime Baltimore Colts trainer Ed Block, was first presented in 1978. It is voted on by players on each team and is awarded to their teammate who exemplifies the most courage on the squad. Typically it goes to a player coming back from a bad injury like award winners New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae and Baltimore Ravens safety Dawan Landry.

Mr. Vick of course bounced back from something different than an injury, he was coming back from being one of the great villains of all time, a dog killer. Talking to the Associated Press he said that "I think I do exemplify what this award stands for. I think everybody has the right to their own opinion. But I feel like I've done everything that I said I would do, coming out and moving forward. My peers felt like I was doing the right thing, and that I display courage and sportsmanship and leadership. I value their opinion."

Off the field, Mr. Vick has worked with The Humane Society of the United States, speaking at churches, schools and community groups about the poor judgment he showed in getting involved in dogfighting. Again in conversation with the Associated Press before the event Michael Markarian, executive vice president and CEO of the Humane Society said that "Michael Vick approached us and said he wanted to be part of the solution instead of the problem. We asked him if he do volunteer work, go to communities all over the country and talk to at-risk youth and try to steer them away from dogfighting." He has done so in about a dozen towns in the States. "The Humane Society of the United States was the toughest critic of Michael Vick when these allegations first came to light. But we want to find creative solutions to try to reach kids, particularly young men, who get pitbulls for the wrong reason. They are really moved after they hear Michael Vick's story, and it turns them away from dogfighting."

Of course there were dozens of protesters who don't believe that Mr. Vick has changed but, let's face it, there are haters everywhere.

All in all it has been a good week for the QB. The Eagles have exercised their 2010 option on Vick, meaning the quarterback will receive a $1.5 million roster bonus sometime this week, and the rest of his $5.25 million 2010 salary will be paid by either Philadelphia or another NFL franchise. He wants to start but he is, in quarterback terms, still youngish at 29 this day, 30 on opening day 2010. The word on the street is that nobody is interested in him but they are interested in the other two QBs in Philly so y'never know.

WFDS