Michael Boddie was 17 when his 16-year-old girlfriend gave birth to their second child, a boy. Shortly afterward, Boddie went off to serve a three-year stint in the Army that left the rearing of his progeny to the mom, Brenda Vick, in a rough-and-tumble section of Newport News, Va. She wound up raising her first two children, and two to come a couple years later, with help mostly from her parents.
Meanwhile, the father of her children, Boddie, who did marry her five years after the birth of their second child, bounced from job to job in Newport News' shipbuilding industry, struggled with alcohol and drug abuse and, according to one person, "chose for nearly 22 years not to be a part of Mike's life."
Mike was the first son of Boddie and Brenda Vick. He became the highest paid football player in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons before throwing it away by financing a dogfighting ring for which he was busted and imprisoned.
Thursday night, a little less than three months after serving 18 months of a 23-month federal sentence, it was announced that Michael Vick got a second lease on a lucrative football career from the Philadelphia Eagles. Most important, he got his second chance on a team led by Donovan McNabb.
After all, Vick wasn't in need of a team to commence his redemption. Talking about where he would fit in and how much rust he had on his legs and arm is really missing the point given how he fell so far and so fast.
As Lance Armstrong and Sally Jenkins would say, this isn't about the football.
No, what Vick was in need of wasn't being with this team or that one, it was being in the presence of something he never had most of his life – a male mentor, a black male mentor, to be specific.
Vick is straight out of that deep end of the statistical pool of black boys from fatherless upbringings (President Obama is a success story for the shallow end) who are more likely to engage in troublesome behavior. He paid for it. Those dogs paid for it. His mom paid for it.
Vick's father wasn't around like my dad, and when he was, Boddie wasn't helping his son with homework, or playing catch with him, or coaching the little league team, or taking him to sporting events, or introducing him to Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. DuBois and Paul Robeson. His father wasn't around like McNabb's dad, Sam, who worked for a power company in Chicago for 25 years rearing Donovan and his big brother Sean in a near Huxtable-like household.
Vick's dad was, instead, according to an admission by Boddie himself, helping him set up dogfighting arenas during a brief breakdown of their estrangement in Vick's college days.
Donovan McNabb can't be Vick's dad. It is too late for that. Donovan is 32; Vick is 29. The incomparable, upstanding retired coach Tony Dungy, who has been counseling Vick since before Vick's release from prison, is picking up where Boddie apparently never did. That Vick will be with a team, any team, before this week is out, as Dungy predicted, is due to the respect for Dungy's measure of a man more than anything else. If anybody can get Vick to understand what he did wrong and what he needs to do to right himself, it is Dungy, author of yet another best-selling book about character. The only other place Vick could have landed that I think could've been better that Philly is Pittsburgh, where coach Mike Tomlin is not only a Dungy disciple but a son of Newport News, too, who is only eight years Vick elder.
Latest Michael Vick Images
PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13: Coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles talks to the media about signing Michael Vick after the game against the New England Patriots on August 13, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots won 27-25. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andy Reid
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PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13: Coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles talks to the media about signing Michael Vick after the game against the New England Patriots on August 13, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots won 27-25. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andy Reid
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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid talks to the media about the signing of Michael Vick on Thursday, August 13, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Yong Kim/Philadelphia Daily News/MCT)
MCT
A fan dressed in a Michael Vick jersey watches an NFL preseason football game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, in Philadelphia. New England won 27-25. Vick is back in the NFL, landing a job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Agent Joel Segal confirmed the quarterback's signing, shortly before the team announced it in a text message. The Eagles gave Vick a one-year deal with an option for a second year.(AP Photo/Michael Perez)
AP
Humane Society of the United States president Wayne Pacelle, second from left, takes questions from media who were forced to stay on the sidewalk during a pit bull training class which teaches basic dog care and was attended by Michael Vick, Sat., August 8, 2009, in Atlanta. Vick arrived at a suburban Atlanta community center to talk to inner-city youths about how to deal with potentially violent dogs. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback entered the New Life Community Center through a back entrance Saturday for an event put on by the Humane Society of the United States. (AP Photo/John Amis)
AP
A vehicle turns the corner taking Michael Vick to a back entrance after passing security measures as he arrives for a pit bull training class which teaches basic dog care, Sat., August 8, 2009, in Atlanta. Vick arrived at a suburban Atlanta community center to talk to inner-city youths about how to deal with potentially violent dogs. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback entered the New Life Community Center through a back entrance Saturday for an event put on by the Humane Society of the United States. (AP Photo/John Amis)
AP
Dustin Meadows of Barnesville, Ga., arrives with his dog Jack Jack for a pit bull training class which teaches basic dog care but was turned away because Michael Vick was at the meeting, Sat., August 8, 2009, in Atlanta. Vick arrived at a suburban Atlanta community center to talk to inner-city youths about how to deal with potentially violent dogs. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback entered the New Life Community Center through a back entrance Saturday for an event put on by the Humane Society of the United States. (AP Photo/John Amis)
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Washington Redskins fan Brian Hoysa holds a sign in support of quarterback Michael Vick during NFL football training camp at Redskins Park on Thursday, July 30, 2009 in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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ASHBURN, VA - JULY 30: Washington Redskins fans show their support for quarterback Michael Vick during opening day of training camp July 30, 2009 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - JULY 27: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers questions from the media after reinstating Michael Vick on a conditional basis on July 27, 2009 at the InterContinental Hotel in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Roger Goodell
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But McNabb is the next best thing. He can be that guy who can help Vick regain the footing in the pocket of athletic limelight. He can be that link in a lineage that Vick needs desperately to be hooked to.
It is that brotherhood of black quarterbacks that McNabb quietly has been all too willing to lead. There is the story about Illinois quarterback Juice Williams going through a tough time and calling on McNabb, whom he knows because both hail from Chicago.
"He's a big brother/uncle, a mentor," Williams told The Philadelphia Daily News last month. "He's a guy I've known for many years. He's very similar to how I play football and how I am off the field: very cheerful, very humble and wants to win. He's a dynamic player and a guy I look up to."
Williams told the Daily News that he got to know McNabb through McNabb's father, whom Williams described as a respected neighborhood elder. McNabb's dad is now a respected elder in the NFL after co-founding the National Football Players Father's Association.
"It just happened that his son was Donovan McNabb," Williams told the Philly tab. "Me and Mr. McNabb talk about life in general; how to overcome obstacles. After a while, when I started to take football seriously, that's when he introduced me to his son."
McNabb never forgot Vick, even after Vick melted down on the field and, eventually, off of it.
This is what McNabb told The Washington Post two summers ago as Vick was being scheduled to go on trial: "I'm a supporter of Vick. That's because I'm a good friend of his, and also, we're guys that obviously compete to win the Super Bowl. We push each other ... It's an unfortunate situation, and I just hope everything works out well for him where he can get back out on the field."
McNabb hadn't changed his tune when Eagles' training camp opened and he talked to FanHouse's Dan Graziano.
"I know that he's able to train now with [trainer] Tom Shaw," McNabb told Graziano. "And I'm looking forward to him being reinstated and having the opportunity to get back on the football field."
We don't know yet if McNabb knew then what we learned Thursday. But it is a good thing for Michael Vick he got a second opportunity to play with his one-time recruiting trip host.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 52)
8-14-2009 @ 9:53AM
Jan A. Niles said...
There are thousands of young black men who had similar upbringing who turned themselves into successful adults. So the Boo-Hoo for Vick is misplaced. Vick has been involved with dog fighting since the age of eight. I personnaly saw 22 of the dogs confiscated from Vick's property. Ears missing, big holes in their coats, ears and lips torn off, rope burns around their necks ad nauseum. The Eagles will have to pay the price for signing Vick. They have now become a scumbag NFL team (with the help of the **** Roger Goodell). Tony Dungy should have mentored his own son before he killed himself and Andy Reid is used to being around felons like his two sons. Don't buy any tickets, hot dogs, beer or clothing, hit them in the wallet and if you can, take a picket to the games. Pepsi sponsors the Philadelphis Eagles. Call them at 1-800-433-2652. Go on the Eagles web site and send them an email. I did.
Reply
8-14-2009 @ 12:24PM
drroll said...
white people kill animals all the time. Get real.
8-14-2009 @ 2:24PM
freemanl1 said...
Whatever happened to forgivness and being able to redeem oneself? The shoe would d=feel differently if it were on your foot. He has paid his debt. Now let's move on. Rooting for you MIke.
8-14-2009 @ 4:54PM
coe616 said...
You said it best he has been involved in dogfighting since he was 8 years old. Im his mind that is a normal behaviour. Don't blame him blame the society we live in. He's an idiot, but he paid for his crime, and im sure if u did something wrong you would want to be given the benefit of the doubt
8-14-2009 @ 6:12PM
deege52 said...
Right on!!!!!
8-14-2009 @ 5:59PM
kado said...
Don't worry Eagles New York City will buy Ticket's , beer, soda, dogs oops wrong choice of words.
8-14-2009 @ 6:58PM
delinda parker said...
Wow....its terrible to live in a world where people think like you. Read your bible, you can learn best about forgiveness through God but probably better yet from your own life. If it hasn't come yet, you will one day need and want forgiveness, possibly a second chance and lets hope that this is not how you're treated. The best thing you can do for yourself and the rest of America is learn how to forgive. I've forgiven the white master who raped my great grandmother and the white men who burned and hung my ancestors. Grow up - self righteousness is ugly.
8-14-2009 @ 8:11PM
majuh said...
Went to far talking about Dungy and Reid's families. Our kids make their own decisions no matter what we teach them, and you nor I know enough about either parental relationship to comment.
8-14-2009 @ 8:13PM
gilzenem said...
your are a mean miserable individual' may god bless u when u lose a love one and hopeful u were there to stop them from dying may god bless u and bring peace into ur life. PEACE LOVE AND HAPPINESS.
8-14-2009 @ 8:26PM
Connie said...
AMEN to this post: well stated!!!!
18-14-2009 @ 9:53AM
Jan A. Niles said...
There are thousands of young black men who had similar upbringing who turned themselves into successful adults. So the Boo-Hoo for Vick is misplaced. Vick has been involved with dog fighting since the age of eight. I personnaly saw 22 of the dogs confiscated from Vick's property. Ears missing, big holes in their coats, ears and lips torn off, rope burns around their necks ad nauseum. The Eagles will have to pay the price for signing Vick. They have now become a scumbag NFL team (with the help of the **** Roger Goodell). Tony Dungy should have mentored his own son before he killed himself and Andy Reid is used to being around felons like his two sons. Don't buy any tickets, hot dogs, beer or clothing, hit them in the wallet and if you can, take a picket to the games. Pepsi sponsors the Philadelphis Eagles. Call them at 1-800-433-2652. Go on the Eagles web site and send them an email. I did.
Reply
8-14-2009 @ 8:42PM
stephanie said...
Do you watch Football? Micheal don't need you or anyone else like you in his life. He paid the price he didn't kill anyone they have people out here that do more than an they don't have to pay the price he did!
8-14-2009 @ 8:48PM
janbrew said...
AMEN To that!!!!!!!
8-14-2009 @ 8:49PM
DENISE said...
I agree with you totally! Take a look at Warrick Dunn. He is the ultimate example of a young black male who made all the right decisions after the horrible death of his mother. He had a positive role model in Bobby Bowden just like Vick did in all his coaches. Most of all the children in our society black, white or otherwise that grow up without a father figure do NOT become dog killing machines. Shame on the NFL for letting him back into the league. As a huge football fan I am so disappointed and disgusted. Vick deserves a second chance in society. Not in the NFL!!
8-14-2009 @ 8:52PM
amcconn13 said...
They are animals for christ sake. You act like he took a human life.. Shut the hell up. I hope no one you care about ever needs a second chance. I bet you have never in your life donated money or your time to a humane society. So, until you all go to your local humane society and donate your time and money and then adopt a pet, Shut the hell up...
8-14-2009 @ 8:53PM
Football Chick said...
I agree with you Jan, 100%. I didn't witness the horrific scene that you did, but that doesn't change the fact that what Vick did was MURDER INNOCENT BEINGS. Please, Kevin, don't play the race card here. It demeans those of us who are intelligent enough to know that plenty of people in Vick's situation don't commit the reprehensible crimes that he did. There are no excuses. Playing in the NFL is a PRIVILEGE that Vick threw away, and he has no right to expect to get it back. A man as respected and revered as Tony Dungy should be ashamed of himself. Boycott the Eagles, and all of their sponsors, until Vick is GONE!
8-14-2009 @ 8:53PM
Natasha said...
Jan he without sin cast the first stone, so Jan tell me do you believe in abortion? If you do I think you are a killer, but I am not going to bar you from making a living to pay off your debts especially when you have done your time, and have repeatedly apologized for your actions and has stop doing it. By the way Vick was one of those people who made it out, but made a big mistake, he had bad influences. Working an construction job or a nine to five is not going to cut if for the debt he is in. The man done his time just let him be and walk in the fruit of the spirit. If you can't forgive him then God can't forgive you that's whether you believe it or not.
8-14-2009 @ 8:55PM
dehphoenix said...
Get a life.
8-14-2009 @ 9:05PM
jesse j said...
the comment you just made about mr dungy's son is probably one of the lowest things that i have ever heard anyone say. his son was depressed and tony was there for him. what his son dis unfortunate and my thoughts and prayers still go out to him and his family. anyone that has ever known what it is like to go through depression knows that yes talking and having someone to listen and support you helps, but it doesnt always take the pain/stress/frustration that comes with depression. i hope you think about what you just said for a long time. as for vick, give it a break. sick of hearing about everyone who hates him and loves him. life is strange and so are people. wanna cry about it? then go find a corner and curl up with your 'blankie'.
8-14-2009 @ 9:13PM
jep121212 said...
Hi Jan
I respect your opinion and you make several valid points. What Vick did was dispicable and had he not got caught would likely still be doing today. However, he did get caught, was found guilty and paid for his crime. From what I have seen recently he has been apolgetic and he has the ability to speakup and influence others from doing what he once did. He really can be a valuable tool in the fight against dog fights and animal cruelty in general.
8-14-2009 @ 9:15PM
gscanfield said...
I do fully agree with you and hope everyone else does. Yes he paid his dues but it still doesn't mean I have to support him. I will not watch my Panthers play the Eagles even though Vick will not be playing. He does not belong in a job in the public eye and the public does not have to support him.