Redeeming Mike Vick

A few weeks ago, Mike Vick stood before the freshman class of Nueva Esperanza Academy in Philadelphia. Vick is the professional quarterback who, after signing a mega-million dollar contract with the NFL Atlanta Falcons, was convicted of multiple felony charges around a dog fighting and gambling business. Mike Vick exchanged his NFL uniform for a prison jumpsuit.

Since his release from prison, Vick has spent a lot of time with former NFL coach, Tony Dungy. Dungy is one of the most highly respected men in football circles. Incredibly successful in producing championship teams, Dungy is equally admired for the way he was able to get his players to perform at such a high levels. Coach Dungy is universally known as a man of honor and unquestionable character. Sure seems a good decision by Vick to make room for a man like
Dungy to speak into his life.

As Vick spoke to the students at the Academy, he spoke humbly about his time in prison and some of the reasons, other than the criminal actions he committed, that put him there.

Here's the deal. He admitted that many of his choices "were influenced by others." He later told these impressionable students that "my future was promising. At some point... I started listening to my friends and doing some things that were not ethical and not right."

So what is the truth Vick reveals? Friends are a powerful influence in life. That influence can be powerfully good or powerfully destructive. Maybe a question each of us should consider is: "Are the friends I hang with moving in the same direction as I am? Are my friends committed to doing things that are honorable and responsible?"

I hope Mike Vick continues his journey of redemption. I hope Mike Vick will surround himself with more friends like his new mentor Tony Dungy. That would be one of the most responsible decisions Mike Vick can make in this new season of life.