Former Falcon’s quarterback, Michael Vick has done plenty of running on and off the field.  With 3,859 career rushing yards, Vick has been a forerunner in the NFL and has treaded his way into fans’ hearts across the nation.  In 2007, however, Vick ran into trouble, and there is no running from the law.

Vick has recently been reinstated in the NFL after his involvement with Bad Newz Kennels, an illegal dog fighting ring.  His involvement has caused him to serve 18 months of a 23 month sentence in a federal penitentiary, finishing the remainder of the sentence on house arrest.

Vick, who was once the highest paid player in the NFL, was found to be involved with Bad Newz Kennels for five years leading up to 2007.  He was charged with competitive dog fighting and conducting dog fighting across state lines, as stated by the Washington Post.  Vick allegedly ran the operation out of a property he owned in Virginia.

Michael Vick has animal lovers everywhere distraught over his reentry into the NFL due to his inhumane treatment of dogs.  The fact of the matter is, past felony charges do not strip Vick of his ability to play football.  There is no reason for Vick to not be able to return to playing professional football, even if he will be ostracized by animal rights activists across the nation.

"He did his time already.  They can’t punish him forever," varsity football player Vincent Wysinger said.

Vick paid his debt to society after pleading guilty to felony charges and being subjected to suspension from the NFL in 2007.  Other convicted felons are allowed to return to society after serving their sentence.  Vick should be no different just because he is a public figure.

"Michael Vick served two years in prison, two years in which he lost, two years that he can’t be given back.  I feel that playing football is the least that he should be able to do," said varsity football player Michael Rouse III.

Whether Vick plays football or not will not change his past involvement in illegal activity, and not allowing Vick to play football will not compensate for his past transgressions.

"Michael Vick is an athlete, but at the same time, this is his career.  This is his job.   I don’t see how this is a rational decision over what he’s done in the past," assistant varsity football coach Matthew Holdren said.

Equally as irrational is the irreverence for human life possessed by Michael Vick’s "haters."  They would much rather dwell on animals than see a young athlete who made a mistake turn his life around.

"Dogs are not humans, and what’s the difference between hunting deer and ducks and killing a dog?" Rouse said.  "They are all animals and people treat them as game.  He’s done time for it and nothing can be done to stop it."

Other professional sports players have engaged in illegal activity, but none have come under as much ridicule as Vick has.  Vick’s reentry into the NFL will definitely be met with opposition.

"Michael Vick will have to get his head right.  He’s going from being this star child of Atlanta-the savior of their franchise-to being back up," Holdren said.  "How can you go from being the top dog with the number one selling jersey to being back up?"

Whether it is a mental or physical obstacle to overcome, Vick will definitely have major adjustments to make this season.  As Vick steps onto the field, some will cringe, but fans everywhere will breathe a sigh of relief as Vick takes flight and rebuilds his career.