With The First Pick
Fansided

Atlanta Falcons: Should they retire Michael Vick’s jersey?

By Maurice Barksdale

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick during pregame before the Falcons game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick during pregame before the Falcons game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michael Vick and Roddy White have retired as Atlanta Falcons.  Owner Arthur Blank stated that the team will consider retiring their jerseys.  But should they retire Vick’s jersey?

Two of the Atlanta Falcons most popular players in their history have retired as Falcons.  The team held a ceremony to honor Michael Vick and Roddy White for their contributions to the team.

More from With the First Pick

Roddy White has retired as the Atlanta Falcons all-time leader in receptions (808), receiving yards (10,863), and touchdowns with 63.  White will certainly have his jersey retired and at some point soon the Falcons will induct him into their Ring of Honor.  Here’s what Arthur Blank had to say:

"“We have a process that we have to go through with that, and certainly given their records as Falcons players and their careers, they would certainly be considered for that,” Blank said."

Vick is one of the most polarizing figures in NFL history.  Both for his play on the field and his 2007 conviction on dog fighting charges off the field.  Vick’s Falcons career started with a bang and ended in controversy as the Falcons released him after his conviction.

However, controversy aside, the Atlanta Falcons should absolutely retire Michael Vick’s jersey.  While it’s true he was a polarizing figure, Michael Vick was also one of the most exciting players in NFL history.

Forget about his stats although some are impressive.  There’s never been a quarterback with the combination of speed and arm strength that Michael Vick possessed.  Vick wasn’t the most accurate passer but he could throw a football deeper and prettier than almost anyone.

Michael Vick had a cannon for an arm, he also had legitimate 4.3 forty speed and his highlight reel runs have come to define his career.  Michael Vick was a must see performer and even though he only played six seasons in Atlanta, it was enough to have his jersey retired.

Yes, the dog fighting ring was a terrible thing, but Vick served his time and to my knowledge has stayed out of trouble and been a positive figure since being released from prison.  So now that he’s out of the game it’s time to look at how he changed it when he played.

Next: Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer a Hall of Fame quarterback?

And Atlanta Falcons fans remember.  Many of them are still found wearing their number 7 Michael Vick jerseys at games.  So yes, The Atlanta Falcons should retire Michael Vic’s jersey and induct him into their Ring of Honor along with the other Falcons greats.

Home/NFL News