Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was named as an honorary captain to the National Football League’s Pro Bowl, the sport’s annual all-star game. Alongside Pro Football Hall of Famers Terrell Davis, Darrell Green and Bruce Smith, Vick will serve as 2020 Pro Bowl Legends Captains. However, an online petition is demanding the former signal caller be removed from the game because according to the originator, he, “had zero regard for animals.”
Joanna Lind began the petition and directed this statement to the NFL:
“Just saw this on Facebook and was absolutely disgusted. When is the NFL going to take any responsibility for the behavior of it’s current and former players? To honor a man who had zero regard for animals is unacceptable and I would like your help to make sure he is NOT honored at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.”
If you’re going to make Michael Vick a pro bowl legend captain, we might as well call OJ Simpson, too. pic.twitter.com/nZHCOgWC0p
— kaylin (@kaylinpassmore) December 6, 2019
Vick served 18 months in federal prison after admitting in 2007 that he participated in killing dogs and operated a business enterprise that involved illegal gambling. He was suspended by the NFL and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
In 2009, Vick returned to the NFL and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Steelers before retiring in 2017. In his final two seasons, he primarily played as a backup.
After retiring, Vick joined Fox Sports as an analyst.
Currently, there are more than 420,000 signatures on the petition. Their goal is 500,000 signatures.
I don’t understand the hatred for Michael Vick. He went to prison, paid fines, showed remorse. Can’t people let sleeping dogs lie?
— Darlene (@darlngal) December 5, 2019
The 2020 Pro Bowl presented by Verizon, will kickoff Sunday, Jan. 26 at 3:00 PM ET in Orlando, Fla.
