With recent talk surrounding the possibility of former number one overall pick Michael Vick returning to the NFL in 2009 after his prison sentence is up, I have heard speculation from various sources on many different teams and situations that might present themselves to Vick.  Will the Raiders come calling?  Will it be the Cowboys?  Would Denver, after blowing it with the Jay Cutler situation, take a gamble?  How about the Vikings, who are so desperate for a quarterback they would consider making Brett Favre an offer to come out of retirement-after he just had shoulder surgery. 

I have heard the rumblings about whether or not Vick, a convicted felon, should be allowed into the NFL.  And believe me, PETA has let their viewpoints be loud and clear. 

But, there is one fact I have yet to hear discussed concerning Vick's (possible) return. 

Michael Vick is a bad football player.

I think I could make a forthcoming argument that Vick is the greatest individual athlete in pro football history.  The guy can throw a perfect spiral 70+ yards-with EITHER hand (it's true.  I can't find the source for this but I remember seeing an ESPN clip where he threw fly patterns to Peerless Price with both his left and right hand).  In addition, Vick reportedly ran a 4.25 second 40-yard dash at the NFL rookie scouting combine.  Make no bones about it:  Vick is a World Class athlete. 

It must be something in his head, or something in his decision making process.  We know he has the arm strength, but his career 53% completion percentage is nary an impressive thing.  His career best was 20 touchdown passes in 2006-well below the average of your typical "franchise quarterback."  In spite of his blazing speed, he's been sacked just shy of 10% of his career dropbacks.  Bernie Kosar was sacked in only 7.5% of his career dropbacks.


For some reason I cannot explain, Vick's
physical tools have not translated to the
football field.

I could see a team taking a flyer on him as publicity stunt (big name player, former number one overall pick), but with that comes the drama of hiring a convicted felon, and having PETA protest all your games.  Maybe a team is desperate for a backup QB, but surely there are better players (and people) available.  The thing is; I wouldn't want Vick on my football team, and it's not because he killed dogs.  He's just not good at playing football.