There’s no question that the drug problems of Andy Reid’s sons Garrett and Britt had a major impact on his thinking and ultimately his decision to sign convicted felon, quarterback Michael Vick.
In a NFL.Fanhouse article written by Anthony (Cuz) Gargano of the 610-WIP’s afternoon show with Glen Macnow, Reid talks openly about his ordeal concerning his sons drug and legal problems.¬† He also talks about how those feelings affected his decision to sign Vick.
“I think it altered my outlook when it came to Michael Vick,” he says. “I think being a coach helped me with the situation and I also think this situation helped me be a coach. I say that because I’m dealing with all kinds of people here, and listen, when you got 80 guys, they all have families and they have situations they have to deal with. I’ve seen a few. I’m dealing with people so I see that part of it and I see some of the struggles that some of the players go through.
I’ve been around the Eagles during Reid’s years of coaching the team and I have seen this side of him where his fatherly instincts are displayed.¬† This has been the case in his dealing with Vick.
“I think the actual exposure that I faced and went through for this problem helped me to be more sensitive to their situations. It surely helped me with Michael. Just knowing the phases that he went through, knowing what to look for, and then in return making sure that he stays on top of his game.
You can tell by the Forbes poll which still finds Vick to be the most hated sports figure that many sports fans haven’t forgiven him for the unthinkable violence he inflicted on those dogs, but you can see that Reid has forgiven him for his wrong doing.
“He seemed like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders when he got here. It’s hard. You’re saying all the right things. But it’s an insecure ride the whole way when you get out of jail. He’s a different guy today when you talk to him than he was back then. And as long as he keeps his nose clean, he will continue to progress and be better for it down the road.”
The key to this situation with Vick will be whether he produces on the football field, so that he helps the team when called upon.  The signing of Vick will be a positive if he is eventually traded for one or two valuable draft picks or steps in and leads the team to success if Kevin Kolb stumbles.
The veteran quarterback thinks he’s back in shape and ready to go. “My skills are back,” Vick said during the OTA’s. “I’m ready. I’m faster than I’ve ever been before. I’m quicker, light on my feet.
What he needs to alter is the way he coaches.
I believe he will change a little bit with 1st Year Starter Kolb at the helm..
Kolb has more talent surrounding him than McNabb ever did, but with some questions along the middle of the Interior of the O/Line, I expect a lot more shorter routes with mostly 3step/5step drops to get rid of the ball quicker to his playmakers, See a lot more slants, quick curls, the underneath screens and balls to the RB’s out of the backfield..
If the Eagles don’t rush the ball 25-30 times a game between McCoy/Bell/Weaver, they are wasting a very talented backfield which can help kill more clock, keep the offense on the field and help Kolb
out as not having everything on his shoulders… I am hoping that AR/MM coaches this way but I have been disappointed before, so time will tell…
Be careful commenting about whether you forgive a guy or not and tearing him down if you’ve never walked in his shoes. I believe this is a good article G. Some people on hear have said some horrendous things about not only Vick, but other athletes as well. If people in life would worry more about themselves and their own families, they would be a lot better off…You never know if or when you or someone you know may face the same situation. Think a little more before you send negative comments about another mans situation in life.
On another note… I believe that andy believes he thrives better with Vick/Mcnabb type players. He knows that with that kind of athleticism, he can pull all kinds of tricks out of his hat, or let them take over the show. What better insurance could a team have than a determined MV. I believe Vick is back. AR turned Mcnabb into a five-time probowler in the WC offense, and I believe he can do the same with Vick(though Vick already has a few). If Kolb stumbles out the gates, Vick is in. He will show those who ridiculed him what he’s really about on the field and tear the NFL up this year (provided he gets the opportunity). Vick is still a bad–s on the field. I’ve said it many times before, I want to see kolb come out da gates and be no less than the next Brady,Manning, Mcnabb(on the field play, not his athleticism…there will never be another McNabb in an eagles uniform.), Roethlisberger, Brees etc. I have no patience for “give the guy a chance” with a 1-3 record when we have dynamite #7 waiting in the wings. lets do it EAGLES, this is our year. Andy needs to put up or shut up. Peace
Rocko, I know if and when I’m going to be arrested for dog fighting, or in trouble for trying to sneak drugs through an airport, or getting myself tested for herpes under some stupid alias: never. I can’t speak to flipping off fans because I would probably do the same thing in the same situation. The guy may have done his time and earned a second chance, but he’s still a scumbag.