The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Michael Vick to a one-year deal on Tuesday. The four-time Pro Bowler still wants to play and the Steelers had a spot open for someone of his caliber and experience.
The team was looking for a backup quarterback and they believe the 35-year-old is still a threat and can help them defend their title as AFC North champions. He is their insurance policy should something untoward happen to starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. According to Chicago Tribune, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is all praise for the veteran footballer saying, "There's not a throw on the field he can't make from an arm strength standpoint. He's a very experienced guy at what he does at this point in his career and the mobility is still unique even at 35."
Vick last played for the New York Jets and was credited for an upset victory over the Steelers on November 9, 2014, Chicago Tribune reported. He managed to throw two touchdowns in a 20-13 win for the Jets which is his only victory in a lackluster season. New York did not renew his contract and when Bruce Gradkowski, Steelers backup QB, got injured in a pre-season game against Green Bay, Pittsburgh management decided to reach out to Vick.
According to an ESPN report, before Vick signed with the Jets, he played for Philadelphia where he resurrected his career after being imprisoned for two years. He was charged with financing a dog-fighting ring. He threw 3,018 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2010 when he made the Pro Bowl as a member of that year's Eagles team. Roethlisberger showed support for the decision to add Vick, noting that as long as it would help the team. When asked to comment about Vick's colored past, he answered, "This is a locker room. It's about football. That's what matters to me most."
