1. They don't need him. They have one of the top three QBs in the league, a proven veteran backup who knows the system, and a third-stringer with ample upside that could probably run wildcat formations if they really wanted him to. Besides, they've managed to win two titles since 2006 without Vick. Their roster will be one of the toughest in the league to crack as it already stands. There's just no room.
2. He hasn't played since 2006.
The quarterback position is based on rhythm, reps, familiarity with the offensive scheme and opposing defenses, and comfort level with targets. Vick has none of that, unless he comes in a package deal with Alge Crumpler.
He's rusty, his mind and body are question marks, and in case you've forgotten, his body did age a few years since he's played last. And in a league that virtually discards players at certain positions when they reach certain ages, I'd think that's at least worth a mention.
3. He wasn't that good when he left.
He's never thrown for 3,000 yards in a season and his career completion percentage hasn't even topped 55%. "Yeah, but he ran for 1,000 yards in 2006!" Yes, and his team was 7-9 that year. That's what you have running backs for. Roethlisberger, Brady, and Manning aren't running for 1,000 yards anytime soon, and I don't think anyone has a problem with that.
True, Vick did things that no one else could do on a football field. That makes for great highlight reels and video game doppelgangers, but rarely wins championships. In his prime, he was the football version of Vince Carter earlier in this decade: half-man, half-amazing, always exciting. You never knew what was coming next. Over the past few years, time has not been kind to either athlete. But Carter's whole "telling the opposing defense what play we're running" thing looks like child's play when compared to the electrocution of dogs.
4. He has horrendous judgmentIt's not just the dogfighting. It's Ron Mexico. It's flipping the bird to fans. It's the whole marijuana at the airport incident. There's a reason why his Wikipedia page breaks down his legal troubles into dogfighting charges and "
Early Incidents". Is this the man you want on your payroll?
I saw a sign on the door at Dollar General the other day that said they drug test potential employees. That's right, you can't do drugs if you want to hold a job at Dollar General. Yet people get on the NFL for their standards and complain about how Michael Vick can't get a job. It's all judgment, my friends. Michael Vick knew the stakes, he ran an illegal dogfighting ring, lied about it to the Commissioner, and proclaimed his innocence throughout most of the early stages. At a position that is basically all judgment, he has proven time and time again that he is incapable of discerning between right and wrong. Is that who you want holding the ball at crunch time?
5. Despite what you've read, PETA will protest.
I highly doubt that a group as big as PETA will totally ignore a huge story like the Michael Vick Comeback Tour (when so many people are watching specifically for their response) in fear of Steeler Nation. Sorry, but I don't think that's an organization easily intimidated by conflict.
6. The Steelers don't sign other teams' problems. That's a task better suited for Jerry Jones, Al Davis, or Ralph Wilson. And before you point out the legal woes of James Harrison or Santonio Holmes, remember, the Steelers didn't sign them away from another team. They knew those players as people before the incidents, and were able to make a judgment in the aftermath.
7. In case you missed it, the Steelers already have one distraction.Players are soon going to be nauseated answering questions about how the lawsuit is affecting Big Ben. I highly doubt that on top of that daily headache, they'd like to publicly comment on the psyche of their new ex-con teammate.
8. What's he ever won?Here's his "NFL awards" from Wikipedia:
NFL awards
Quite a resume. And there was that playoff game at Lambeau where he beat Lord Favre. Did they give him a ring for that?
9. The connections mentioned mean nothing.
He's from Virginia, just like Mike Tomlin! He's being mentored by Tony Dungy, who is close to Tomlin! The proper response should be, "SO WHAT? "
Tony Dungy knows a lot of people in the NFL. Coaches. Players. Executives. And I'm sure there are a bunch of players in the league who hail from Virginia. Unfortunately, where a player grew up doesn't dictate which coach signs him. These circumstances are both inconsequential in the grand scheme of where Vick ultimately lands.
10. He's just not worth the trouble.Just like Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones, or any number of recent reclamation projects, the cons greatly outweight the pros. Sure, Buffalo's giving Owens a hero's welcome now, but that franchise hasn't been relevant since the days of Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas. They're desperate. He'll chew up and spit out Trent Edwards just like Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, and Jeff Garcia. No, there's no pattern there or anything. Owens and Trent Edwards will be different. Keep believing that, Bills Fan. I'll have what you're drinking.
Guys like Owens, Jones, and Vick have one thing in common: they've never won squat. Just like fellow malcontents Chad Ochocinco and Randy Moss, they've got as many Super Bowl rings as you or I. Yet many an NFL coach believes that he is the missing link between Troubled Player X and unlocking his true potential. That's why Michael Vick will find a job soon enough. Luckily, Mike Tomlin's smart enough to not let his ego or track record get in the way of his intelligence. And that's the biggest reason why Michael Vick will never be a Pittsburgh Steeler.
Neal Huntington took the wrecking ball to the worst organization in Major League Baseball, and many people in and around the team are treating it as if he broke up the 1927 Yankees. A few of the quotes from the locker room:
