Free Michael Vick: Vick Signs with Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that is reportedly worth $1.6 million in the first year, with an option to be picked up in year-two for $5.2 million. The latest twist of events have blindsided the sporting world as Eagles brass, Michael Vick, and agent Joel Segal have remained coy and tight lipped up to this point.

The Philadelphia Eagles will host a news conference on Friday, August 14, 2009 to unveil a resolute Michael Vick to the media, rabid Eagles fans, and America at-large. Certainly, the developments will continue to polarize sporting buffs, animal rights activists, and our national citizenry.

I must intimate that the ensuing events will be nothing short of a spectacle and traveling circus atmosphere from Bethlehem to Philadelphia to all road dates per the Eagles franchise.

Michael Vick: Dogfighter and Jail Term

Mike Vick at one point in time represented the charismatic face of the Atlanta Falcons franchise. The electric playmaker captivated fans with his sheer speed, laser throws, and boundless potential as a young quarterback. In fact, Vick was once the highest paid player in the National Football League and commanded a $130 million contract and the keys to the City of Atlanta.

However, the boy makes good fairytale came to a screeching halt amidst the shocking accounts detailing a pit bull fighting ring operating amidst the shadows of the Hampton Roads area. The Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation landed Vick with a 2007 guilty plea and 23-month jail sentence at Leavenworth, Kansas Federal Prison.

Various commercial interests, ranging from Coca Cola to EA Sports, football spectators, and most importantly, Commissioner Roger Goodell promptly stripped the athlete of all endorsements, accolades, and the privilege to play at the NFL Level, indefinitely. Of course, Vick's high-living and ramshackle spending habits collapsed beneath the weight of a voided Falcons contract and $3 jail house laundry room money.

The shenanigans landed Vick in bankruptcy court, concurrent with the felony conspiracy trial and incarceration.

The felled hero of the Commonwealth of Virginia was to complete the final leg of his sentence per house arrest at Hampton, Virginia on July 20, 2009. Certainly, the developments have sparked debate and mass outrage across the country. Particular commentary deems no punishment or embarrassment directed towards Vick as the proper recompense for his heinous acts towards animals.

Mike Vick has not taken a snap in the NFL since 2006.

Michael Vick: Conditional Reinstatement into NFL

Following the expiration of the 23-month sentence, Vick met with Goodell, who conditionally reinstated the troubled quarterback into the NFL. The protocol enables Mike Vick to participate within preseason practices, all organized team activities, and the final two preseason games with his new team. Still, Vick will be barred from suiting up and seeing in-game action once the 2009-2010 NFL season begins.

The Commissioner has promised to reevaluate the quarterback's progress and consider full reinstatement for Vick by Week 6.

The delicate interactions between Vick and Goodell were set to demonstrate remorse, adequate punishment, and the opportunity for the former star to make amends. Indianapolis Colts legend Tony Dungy has also been enlisted to offer his services as a guiding hand and conduit between Vick, the NFL, and public perception.

The reinstatement and team placement scuttlebutt per Vick only intensified with NFL players reporting to training camp, alongside #7's ever-present bankruptcy proceedings, which highlighted the playmaker's desperate need for cash and a football contract of any sort.

Of course, the talking heads outlined the fact that Vick must behave as a model citizen in order to reinvent himself as a calculated risk, palatable to signing with a well-oiled NFL franchise.

Sports enthusiasts also pointed out that said club should be a serious contender, with a secure leader at the quarterback position. Certainly, a quarterback controversy would only add further fuel to the media circus, PETA protestors, and road show fiasco that is sure to follow.

Model franchises Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots emerged as the likely destinations for Michael Vick. Meanwhile, The Philadelphia Eagles denied any intentions of targeting another quarterback per all interview sessions with the U.S. media.

Michael Vick Signs with the Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick's agent, Joel Segal confirms on August 13, 2009, that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a 2-year deal with the beleaguered signal caller. NFL fandom remains shocked per this Dark Horse candidate that had rejected the idea of going after Vick up until this point.

The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2008-2009 season in the desert at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, one victory away from the Super Bowl. Additionally, Eagles' brass has targeted back up Kevin Kolb as the heir apparent to The Man Donovan McNabb. Our football-obsessed nation is scrambling to determine the proper fit for Vick within Andy Reid's pass happy scheme at Philadelphia.

Obviously, the speedster with a cannon arm adds another dimension, both on and off the field to the Eagles franchise. Expect the Philadelphia offense to install a shotgun-spread / wildcat package for Vick that includes misdirection and wacky ball handling to terrorize the opposition.

Vick is always dangerous, even as a decoy. Defensive coordinators will have fits in terms of game planning for Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin on the outside. Coaching will never teach speed and the explosive arsenal of weaponry on the offensive side of the football will be the difference maker in close games. The move is a calculated gamble to take Philadelphia into the Super Bowl and win right now.

The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons on December 6, 2009.

Circle that date.

Michael Vick Signs with the Philadelphia Eagles, Sources:

Kofi Bofah, Michael Vick, Bankrupt and in Jail Awaits NFL Reinstatement, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1312715/michael_vick_bankrupt_and_in_jail_awaits.html?cat=17

ESPN, Vick, Eagles Agree to 2-Year Deal, http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4397938

The Official Web Site of Michael Vick, http://mikevick.com/

The Philadelphia Eagles, http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/index.html