Discover Your Blueprint

Michael Vick was given a second chance at redemption on the football field by the Philadelphia Eagles.

I have never been a Michael Vick fan or supporter, however as a life coach that works with professional athletes I am excited that he is going to have his second chance at life and football. I am shocked that the people of Philadelphia along with the media have been extremely critical of the decision to sign Vick or his past. As I was watching the news on a local TV station, the reporter went to a local dog park to get fan reaction about the signing of Vick in Philadelphia. It seems that people and the media have made an example out of Michael Vick because of his high profile status, but contrary to what has happened to other athletes that have killed people, been involved with murder, involved in sexual indiscretions, and other illegal plots, Vick’s case seems excessive and it seems that the media wants him to fail.

I think we all understand the nature of the crimes that Vick committed and by no means am I giving him a pass, but I am a believer that Michael Vick has paid his debt to society and now it is time to get on with his life.

As I watched Eagles owner Jeffrie Lurie say that, “he needed to see enough self-hatred in Vick,” for what he had done, I thought to myself self-hatred is not what Michael Vick needs. Vick made a severe mistake and lacked sound judgment, but does not need self-hatred to make things right. I am glad that Vick has an advisor in Coach Tony Dungy to assist him in making the right decisions for his life and for football. Michael Vick the person is more important than football. I think Michael Vick was great during the introductory news conference and I like how he handled  the media’s questions and took personal accountability for everything that he has done.

It’s time to look past his heinous crimes and look at his future. He has three children and a fiancée that are happy to have him home. He has people in place to ensure that he makes the best possible choices for his future. He has an opportunity to be back in the NFL and to learn from one of the most successful coach and quarterback tandems in the NFL. He will continue to be a spokesperson for the Humane Society. Vick will start to re-build his life and create the most out of this opportunity. That is what changing your blueprint is all about.

Vick has started the process of changing his blueprint by making the decision to change. Having everything stripped away along with almost two years in prison is enough to make anybody humble. I know that there are people who have the opinion that Vick is still a bad individual, but we were not created to cast judgment, but to forgive. I wish you much success Michael Vick and congrats on discovering your blueprint of change.