Steelers quarterback Michael Vick is meeting with lawmakers in Pennsylvania to support a bill that would allow police officers permission to rescue animals they find inside locked cars. Vick’s activism is notable, because he famously pleaded guilty in 2007 to running an illegal dog fighting ring and served two years in prison.
"The only thing I can do is try to inform the masses of kids to not go down the same road I went down. I know that I'm an unlikely advocate," Vick said. "I was part of the problem. Now, my perspective can help reach people that activists can't reach. I can help others become agents of change."
DeAngelo Williams' Success Should Be A Notch In Ray Rice's Favor
Vick’s story should give hope to former Ravens running back Ray Rice, who hasn’t played pro football since 2013 because of the NFL’s highest-profile domestic violence scandal. Since knocking out his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City elevator, Rice has become an outspoken proponent of domestic violence awareness. So far, he has been unsuccessful in getting an opportunity to play football, but Vick’s continued presence in the league offers hope.
Vick missed two full seasons before re-joining the league on one-year, $1.6 million contract with Philadelphia as a backup. If a team was willing to sign Vick, who went to prison and killed dogs, then it isn’t a stretch to envision a team taking a chance on Rice, who never served any time. Rice also plays a less mentally taxing position than Vick did, and would almost certainly play for less money than Vick got in his return.
Cardinals May Regret Passing On Ray Rice
Since leaving prison, Vick has been publicly remorseful, and active in advocating for animals. It landed him a job, and continued work despite playing poorly for the Eagles, Jets and Steelers. Rice has followed that blueprint, and by next training camp will be two years removed from his ugly encounter.
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