The honor is still gonna be Michael Vick’s.
Despite the pleas of more than 560,000 people, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell insists that the former quarterback and one-time Pittsburgh Steeler will be a legends captain at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Goodell told reporters Wednesday Vick’s troubled past is old news.
“Over the last, what is it, nine years or so, we have supported Michael in his, what I think his recognition of the mistake he made,” Goodell said. “He’s paid a heavy price for that. He’s been accountable for it. He’s worked aggressively with the Humane Society and other institutions to deal with animal rights and to make sure people don’t make the same mistake he made, and I admire that.”
In recent weeks, a change.org petition has gained more than 564,019 online signatures asking for Vick’s removal from the honor.
The post, created by user “joanna lind,” states: “To honor a man who had zero regard for animals is unacceptable and I would like your help to make sure he is NOT honored at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.”
Goodell says he understands some people cannot look past Vick’s past.
“I know that there are people out there that will never forgive him.,” Goodell acknowledged. “He knows that. But I think this is a young man that has really taken his life in a positive direction and we support that. So I don’t anticipate any change.”
Vick will be among four legends captains at the game. The others are Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis, Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith and Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green.
.@Terrell_Davis, @darrellgreen28, @MichaelVick and Bruce Smith have been named the 2020 Pro Bowl Legends Captains! pic.twitter.com/Q0DLrjeOfA
— NFL (@NFL) November 25, 2019
Vick’s final NFL playing time happened with Pittsburgh in 2015. That season, he started three games, winning two of them, passing for 371 yards and two touchdowns.
He served 23 months in prison on federal charges stemming from his role in a dogfighting ring.
The Pro Bowl is set for Jan. 26, 2020 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
