Former Jets QB Michael Vick Signs With Steelers
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Steelers say they have signed controversial quarterback Michael Vick to a one-year contract after their regular backup QB Bruce Gradkowski suffered an injury that will require him to have surgery.
Vick is entering his 13th season in the NFL. He was taken with the first overall selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft from Virginia Tech.
As first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Michael Vick met and worked out with the Steelers on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The announcement of the signing came shortly afterward.
Vick appeared in 10 games with the New York Jets last year. He completed 52.9 percent of his passes for 604 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
According to Schefter, Gradkowski's finger injury will require surgery, which is why the Steelers started looking at Vick.
Here's one reason Michael Vick is headed to Pittsburgh: Bruce Gradkowski dislocated his left finger and is having surgery today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2015
Gradkowski was placed on the team's reserve/injured list Tuesday evening, the Steelers said.
Vick is eight years removed from going to prison for dogfighting.
So, how well will he mix with Ben Roethlisberger, whose love of dogs and gifts of K-9s to police departments have been well documented?
"For me, it's about any way, any person, anything that can help this team, and if that's Michael Vick, then so be it," says Roethlisberger.
Since being released from prison, Vick has been with the Philadelphia Eagles, and last year gave linebacker Cam Heyward fits as he led the Jets.
"He's got speed, he's got a deep ball, and he throws very quick," said Heyward.
That kind of respect for Vick the player is what you find throughout the Steelers locker room.
As for Vick, the convicted dogfighter, Heyward weighed in, saying, "I'd like to think he's moved on from that and try to be a better citizen, and I think we are all trying to do that. You know, we make mistakes and that's how we grow from it."
"I'm sure that's behind him, and if that's the case, we'll leave that be," said Steelers lineman Ramon Foster. "We'll bring him in, accept him for what he is, and as a player."
Le'Veon Bell admits that he grew up idolizing Vick, and he doesn't think his prior off the field issues could be a distraction.
"I don't try to let things outside of the locker room effect the way we are, so we just want to continue to do what we can, do what we can control and keep moving," Bell said.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is from the same area of Virginia as Vick and was interested in the embattled quarterback when he was released from prison in 2009.
"We thought it was prudent that we get established veterans in and take a look so we are going throughout that procedure with him," Tomlin said.
Vick has appeared in 138 games (112 starts) and completed 1,767-of-3,151 passes for 22,093 yards with 131 touchdowns and added 6,010 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns on 853 rushing attempts in 12 seasons in the NFL.
Tomlin said he hasn't spent a lot of time around Vick, but he did say that he has a lot of respect for him as a professional.
"There's not a throw on the field he can't make from an arm strength standpoint," Tomlin said. "He's a very experienced guy at what he does at this point in his career, and obviously, the mobility is still very unique, even at 35."
As for Vick's trouble with the law, Tomlin said Vick has done a lot since his dog fighting days.
"Obviously, you're sensitive to those potential things, but we're going to do our due diligence," said Tomlin. "Test assured that we've done that, but also rest assured that he's done a lot since he's gone through some of the things that he's gone through, and I think that his track record to this point in that regard speaks for itself."
As you can imagine, Steelers fans are showing a wide range of emotions as they come to terms with the idea that the team is signing the controversial quarterback to backup Roethlisberger.
An online petition has been set up on Change.org to keep Vick off the team. By Tuesday night, it was nearing 5,000 signatures. Click here to see the petition.
93-7 The Fan's Joe Starkey received a statement from PETA's senior VP Lisa Lange Tuesday afternoon.
The statement read in part, "As long as he's throwing a football and not electrocuting a dog, PETA is pleased he is focused on his game."
Meanwhile, the phone lines at 93-7 The Fan lit up and haven't stopped ringing off the hook since the news broke. Perhaps the best call of the day was from Steelers fan Chris, who says he will go to extreme lengths to cut all ties from his favorite team if they sign Vick.
When it comes to fans still being upset with Vick over his involvement in the dog fighting ring that eventually sent him to jail, caller Pete told Ron Cook it's not that big of a deal here in Pittsburgh because this city is more of "a cat tahn."
Caller Harry said he'll consider cutting all ties to the Steelers if they sign Vick. Ron Cook doesn't believe him.
The Pittsburgh Animal Rescue League also took a stance on Michael Vick's signing.
On days like this, we're even prouder to be the Official Animal Shelter of the Pittsburgh @penguins! pic.twitter.com/kDoFvwP8TH
— Animal Rescue League (@AnimalRescueLg) August 25, 2015
And the Western Pa. Humane Society released this statement Tuesday night:
"We cannot comment on the business dealings of the Steelers organization. We are an animal welfare agency and work every day to save and improve the lives of homeless and at risk animals. Our mission includes educating the public to identify situations where animal welfare is in question and to contact our investigations department when needed. As an organization, the Western PA Humane Society has successfully assisted in passing legislation in an effort to end dog fighting in our backyard, and across Pennsylvania. We will continue to advocate on behalf of animals and work closely with community partners, like the Steelers, to make our region better for all animals and people."
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