Michael Vick: NFL or UFL in 2009

Michael Vick is scheduled to be released from federal prison on dog-fighting charges sometime in July. This poses the million dollar question; will he be back in the NFL for the 2009 season? Two critical events would have to take place for this to be possible. One, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, known for his harsh punishments on players since he took over in 2006, will have to not suspend Vick. And two, another team will have to take the chance of signing a quarterback that hasn't played football or had the proper training in almost two years. Not to mention the incredible scrutiny that team would be under from millions of people for signing a convicted felon.

So what are some other fits for Michael Vick? Well, there's always the Canadian Football League. But the one that seems to fit for both Vick and the league is the UFL. The United Football League is a brand new football league starting this fall. It's the same old outdoor football that we have come to love. They are starting the season with four teams, located in: New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. If Vick cannot get back into the NFL for the 2009 season, this would be a perfect chance for him to hone his skills as well as make some good money. Vick is in serious financial trouble and with the UFL expecting to pay a few dozen players in excess of $1 million he should jump at the opportunity to take that kind of deal.

This is not just a great deal for Vick. As we've seen in the past, startup leagues have a tough time staying afloat and competing with the NFL, the XFL for example. Bringing Vick into the league would be a golden opportunity for the UFL. They would instantly be must-see TV and surely sell out every stadium he plays in. Of course they would have to deal with the protests and media attacks of bringing in such a hated figure, but "no press is bad press" when you're trying to start an organization in a market run by a monopoly in the NFL.

There is only one final hurdle for Vick to become a UFL superstar and that's the Atlanta Falcons. They still hold the rights to Vick and have recently been shopping his contract around to other NFL teams. No team would ever trade for his enormous contract so the Falcons will probably just end up cutting him. However, if the NFL does suspend Vick for the 2009 NFL season, the Falcons would not have to pay him and they could just hold onto the contract so he can't go play elsewhere.

Love him or hate him, Michael Vick was the most exciting thing in sports. We can only hope that we get to see him on the football field again this fall no matter what league he plays for.