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Despite speculation Steelers should not sign Vick
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Imagine yourself walking with your Terrible Towel in hand, heading up to the large, steel-gated entrance at Heinz Field for the season opener against Tennessee. You’re in line waiting to get into the stadium when you see a crowd of people near Gate A. When you take a closer look, you see signs that say things like “dog killer” and “the Steelers support people who torture dogs”.
That’s not going to happen to this team. No way. No how.
ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen said on Sportscenter Monday that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be a perfect fit for Michael Vick, who was recently released from jail after serving nearly two years for charges related to dog fighting.
I agree Mortensen. Yes that’s right, 100 percent.
It is a good fit for Vick. A good fit for the Steelers? Not so much.
Some media members actually believe they should give him a shot. Ridiculous.
Before going into the reasons why it would be absurd to sign the recently partially reinstated QB, let’s talk about why it just wouldn’t happen.
The Rooney’s would never do it. Even if it would make sense to do it, they wouldn’t. They have a history of shying away from the media spotlight and not signing big name free agents or anyone that has a ton of emotional baggage. The Rooney’s won’t even consider it.
Mortensen was right when he said that the Steelers are a perfect fit for Vick. It’s a stable, low-key organization that does virtually everything the right way. Vick could keep a level-head better here than going to say Dallas, Washington, or Oakland.
But why in the world would the Steelers want him?
The last thing the team needs as a returning super bowl champion is a distraction. They got that last week when sexual assault charges were filed against Ben Roethlisberger. Take that media circus and multiply it by two or three if the Steelers sign Michael Vick.
How about sponsorships?
Not only would it be possible for pet-related company’s to pull their sponsorships, it’s also possible that businesses that have no ties at all to pets to spend their money elsewhere. Losing a sponsor or sponsors is something no sports team wants to do.
It’s the same story about Vick on the playing field.
The Steelers have 20 of 22 starters back and are a favorite to repeat as super bowl champions. They don’t need Vick to help them do that. Sure he’s a great athlete, but he’s only played one position his entire NFL career and wasn’t even that good at it. The coaches don’t need to worry about trying to mess around with the ‘Wild Cat Offense’ or getting him playing time at receiver and kick-returner at the expense of other players. When you have a clutch quarterback like Roethlisberger, why would you take him off the field for five to ten plays per game?
Vick just isn’t worth the effort.
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