A Match Made In Heav...Well, A Match Made in Philly

With all of the focus on what team would take the chance on signing Michael Vick, more attention was paid to the off-field implications than the on-field ones. What community would accept Vick? What group of fans would ever want a convicted felon, a killer of innocent animals, a lightning rod for controversy, to play for their team?

See above.

Is there any other logical choice??

Will Philly fans embrace Mike Vick? Are you kidding? Do we need to list off all of the "accomplishments" of Philly fans over the years? Just for fun, let's take a walk down memory lane:

-Booing Santa Claus

-Throwing batteries at JD Drew

-Cheering Michael Irvin after a serious neck injury

-Climbing into the penalty box to fight Tie Domi (not very smart)

-Oh and, hello, THEY HAD A JAIL IN THE FOOTBALL STADIUM!

Is this not the perfect place for Michael Vick to resume his pro career? The most poisonous entity in all of sports meets the most vile fanbase in all of sports. He'll be a hero to the Philly fans. It's a match made in heaven. Or however close to heaven Philly is.

Seriously though, I'm of the belief that everyone in this life deserves a second chance. Vick seems to be contrite and remorseful for his actions. He deserves another chance just like every other American who has paid his debt to society, no matter what the PETA folks will tell you. I can understand fans not wanting Vick in the same area code as their team or family, but if Mike Tyson can have a comeback, why can't Mike Vick? I'm happy for Vick that he found an NFL team to sign with, and can resume his career at the start of the season (or whenever Godfather Goodell decides he's kissed the commish's rings enough to resume his career).

I do feel a little sorry for Donovan McNabb in all of this, it seems like the circus never leaves him. At least being with TO has prepared him somewhat for the immense media/protest Barnum & Bailey show that will follow the Eagles this season. But, if anyone can help Vick in his comeback and mentor him along, it is McNabb.

On the field how much will Vick offer? Everyone knows the Wildcat will become en vogue in cheesesteak country, but beyond that don't expect to see much of #7 on the field. If Vick can contribute 10 snaps a game on offense, it would be a pleasant surprise for the Eagles. Andy Reid is a bright offensive mind, and should use Vick well, especially with versatile talents like DeSean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin.

Of course, it's a big risk, and nobody knows how it will all play out. Maybe Vick won't have it anymore and the Eagles will let him go after this year (they have an option for a second), maybe the pressure will be too much for everyone involved, maybe the PETA crowd will sick entire zoos on Vick, or maybe Vick will return to prominence. Whatever the case, it'll be incredibly interesting to watch.

One thing's for sure though, the Philly fans will be behind him 100%... at least until his first incomplete pass. Go ahead and ask the Philly fan below what he thinks:

On second thought, don't.