Yahoo Lifestyle Michael Vick on anthem protests: 'Athletes have a tough decision ahead of them'
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick knows that in an already complicated 2020 season, NFL players face a crucial decision on demonstrating during the national anthem.
“I would try to collectively see what my peers would want to do and make a choice based on that. It would be an organizational decision. I know what’s in my heart, but I would want to speak with teammates as well. It’s easy to answer that question when you’re not an actual player,” Vick told Yahoo Sports in a phone interview. “These athletes have a tough decision ahead of them and it would be unfair of me to give a direct answer without considering other circumstances.”
In 2017, Vick said Colin Kaepernick kneeling was a “good thing” but not the reason Kaepernick was essentially ousted from the league. Three years later, we now know protests essentially ended Kaepernick’s career.
However, Kaepernick’s trailblazing finally forced the NFL’s hand in 2020. Players rallied behind Kaepernick’s original stand against police brutality and systemic racism after the killing of George Floyd in late May.
“The league executives are being proactive and listening to the players,” Vick said. “It makes me feel great to be a part of the NFL and furthermore have this platform to lead by example.”
Ahead of 2020 kickoff, the NFL announced several changes in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition to displaying the phrases “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism” in end zones this season, league commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed they will also allow similar images to be worn on players helmets and as patches on team caps. Vick supports those decisions.
Vick enjoying broadcasting career
Vick, who redefined the quarterback position during his 14-year career and established a blueprint for how many of today’s dual-threat QBs model their game, is in his fourth year as an analyst at Fox Sports. He originally joined the “Fox NFL Kickoff” team ahead of the 2017 season.
“The greatest part of my job is being a part of a group of great personalities,” he said. “Everyone can be themselves and through our experiences in the league, can bring something unique to our discussion.
“Although I have my perspective as a quarterback, I had to learn so much about both sides of the ball and that gives me added confidence to develop a detailed review of each performance.”
Vick piles on the praise for Lamar Jackson
Vick also said he’s a fan of “Madden 21” cover star Lamar Jackson. The reigning MVP and Baltimore Ravens quarterback has received plenty of comparisons to Vick, gaining major traction after he broke Vick’s record for single-season rushing yards by a quarterback in 2019. When asked what separates the 23-year-old from the 31 starters under center, Vick complimented Jackson’s speed.
“He’s faster than all of them. He’s very shifty and plays the QB position like a running back. He also has great playmaking abilities that allow him to quickly out-run you when he’s under pressure. He has improved Baltimore’s offense in such a short amount of time and makes those around him want to perform better.”
Although the Ravens are the current Super Bowl favorite with BetMGM, Vick admits they will always have stiff competition from another AFC powerhouse.
“Everything runs through Kansas City and Baltimore in the AFC and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC,” the four-time Pro-Bowler said of the road to Super Bowl LV. “I also think the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles could make some noise this year.”
Of course, Vick made sure to mention a final team when giving his season prediction, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.
“Always got to show the Falcons and A-T-L love.”
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