After a seemingly endless hiatus from the NFL, Michael Vick has finally signed with a new team: the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a move that I am not really surprised about, although the ESPN analysts were. I am not surprised by the move for a few reasons. First of all, because Vick is such a big name guy, he will possibly light a fire under Donovan McNabb's behind which should motivate Mac 5 to put up his best performance, knowing that there is an exciting backup waiting in the 'wings'. Another reason is because of Andy Reid, and his creativity as a head coach. Over the years, Andy Reid has proven to be a little less than conventional (i.e. opening up the regular season with an onside kick against the Cowboys, which consequently was successful. Not to mention giving his players pickle juice before that game in order to keep them hydrated). And the third reason I am not surprised by the signing of Vick is because of the upside that he brings. Being that this is only a two year deal, the Eagles are not investing that much into him. If he pans out, he can be incredible. If he doesn't, it does not throw the team into a downward spiral for the next five years. 

Ever since this guy was back on the market, I felt that any team, outside of the Falcons, would be stupid not to give him a chance. He has proven his capabilities against NFL caliber players, including the first playoff victory in Lambeau Field in NFL history. Also, he has thrown and ran for 1,000 yards in one season; the only player to ever accomplish that feat. Basically what I am saying is, although he has been out for quite some time, and he will definitely need an extended adjustment period, he has shown way too much not to be given a second chance. I think that as long as he has come to terms with his questionable behavior, and he is ready to put it in the past, he has a real chance to do some special things in this league. I think this was best summed up by Derek Lampe, a highschool football recruiter from Deleware, when he said, "A tiger doesn't lose his stripes over time. They might begin to fade, but they are all still there". In other words, Michael Vick has the heart and physical abilities of a freakish athlete, and even though he took a break, he is still ahead of a lot of players in the NFL. So I would like to congratulate the Eagles on this courageous signing, and I wish Michael Vick the best of luck with his new team... Except when he faces the Cowboys of course.