With one minute remaining in the Philadelphia Eagles first-round playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Michael Vick had a chance to lead his team to another memorable comeback.
He completed three straight passes and was 27 yards away from the end zone. However, after attempting to throw a touchdown, Vick’s pass was intercepted and his magical season was over.
Although Vick’s season ended without him getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl, he’s won something more valuable than the Lombardi Trophy: He’s won his life back.
“I think his biggest legacy is how his life has changed,” ESPN analyst Herm Edwards said during a recent interview with rolling out magazine. “A lot of people will not forgive him, but he was in a dark place for two years. When you’re in a place that dark, you have to make a decision about what kind of guy you’re going to become. I think he has shown people that he is a different guy. He is obviously a tremendous football player, but I like what he has done off the field more than his football playing ability. He is a father and I think he is trying to make his kids understand that he made an error. He is trying to get his life in order and he has done a pretty good job of that in my opinion.”
Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, Mark Sanchez and Jay Cutler are the remaining quarterbacks who have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl. But none of the aforementioned quarterbacks have overcome anything close to what Vick has to get to where they are today.
Vick proved that it’s possible to prevail after falling from grace. And that alone is greater than any Super Bowl victory. –amir shaw
