Meanwhile, Vick has turned some of his most ardent critics to his side, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for which he now volunteers as a spokesman. (Most of the dogs taken from his Bad Newz Kennels are now thriving in new homes.)
As recently as June, Vick was described by Forbes as one of the 10 most disliked people in sports. But in Philadelphia, at least, "he's gone from pariah to savior," says ESPN's Sal Paolantonio
Nationwide, the storyline could be the similar. "This is potentially a phenomenal story about the kind of redemption that is possible in America," writes FoxSports Jason Whitlock, a long time Vick critic. "The story is about the possibilities that lie ahead, not what transpired in the past."
His past, however, is certainly not behind him yet. As recently as this summer, Vick flirted with trouble again, leaving his 30th birthday party in his hometown just minutes before a man got shot. The NFL investigated, but did not fine or suspend him.
