bbc sports Controversial Vick returns to the NFLOne of the most controversial figures in NFL history returns to the field this weekend as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.
Michael Vick will be available to play for the first time since 31 December 2006. He served 19 months in prison for his part in a dog-fighting ring and was released in May. While some would rather he never be given a second chance, there are those within league circles hoping Vick is a reformed character and they have given him the opportunity to rebuild his career.
I'm all for giving people a chance to right their wrongs in life, but what Vick did was pretty despicable and there is no way to put a positive spin on his actions.
Vick funded the operation known as Bad Newz Kennels from 2001 to 2007. Dogs would often fight to the death and those that did not fight well were shot, drowned, hanged, electrocuted or killed by being slammed to the ground. In his guilty plea, the three-time all-star quarterback, who was playing for the Atlanta Falcons at the time of his arrest, admitted to killing at least eight dogs.
Now, Vick insists he is very sorry and is filled with regret over his actions. That could be true but let's not forget that Vick got caught. He didn't offer himself up for arrest and he didn't confess to these crimes until it became clear there was a pile of evidence against him.
No, he got caught - plain and simple - and then said he was sorry.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hopes his faith in Vick is repaid, explaining: "Hopefully we can have a success story here, which would be good for society in general. Michael understands he has little margin for error. I want Michael to be one of the NFL's success stories as a football player and as an individual."
Only time will tell if that can be the case.
Vick might well be available for the Eagles to select - but don't expect him to become a star performer in Philadelphia.
Even though he is a natural athlete, Vick has been out of the game for too long to simply walk back in as if he had never been away.
And those expecting to see Vick enjoy a lengthy spell at quarterback will also be disappointed. When Donovan McNabb returns from his broken ribs, this will still be his team. And until that time, the Eagles will rely on Kevin Kolb, who put up big yardage against New Orleans last week.
So Vick's role will be limited, but given the propensity for teams to run a variety of plays out of the Wildcat formation that is the latest craze in the league, it could be an important one.
Vick was an electrifying runner in his prime - if he has retained 70% of his original speed he will be tough to handle. Imagine lining Vick up as a running back in the Wildcat. Defenders won't know whether he is going to sprint downfield or loft a pass over their heads for a touchdown.
So look for the Eagles to get Vick on the field for 10 or 12 plays and find ways to get the ball in his hands. That's all well and good now with Kolb at quarterback. But how will McNabb react when he returns from injury?
Given that he already complained during the preseason about how Vick's coming and going was disrupting the offence's rhythm, the signs are not good for a happy long-term partnership in Philly.
