There’s a possibility Michael Vick could strap on the helmet and shoulder pads again in 2009, although not for the NFL. The upstart United Football League, which is trying to get off the ground by next year, could acquire Vick’s services once he gets out of federal prison according to SI.com’s Peter King.
The big news, I suppose, from my talk with Huyghue was this: He said the chances of a UFL team signing Michael Vick to play the 2009 season are “98 percent.” Strange percentage, but that’s what he said.
“Michael’s not going to be able to walk right back into the NFL,” Huyghue said. “He’s going to need some kind of buffer before he signs in the NFL, and we’ll be able to provide that for him.”
Some may scoff at the idea of any league allowing Vick to play football again, but this makes perfect business sense. The UFL is trying to make a name for itself, so why not make some headlines by acquiring a former NFL superstar? Even if the UFL takes some heat for allowing Vick to play, they’ll still get a ton of exposure, which is exactly what a new business wants. There is no such thing as bad press.
As far as the UFL itself goes, it’s hard to fathom that any league would be successful with how popular the NFL already is. But at least the league isn’t trying to go head to head with the NFL like the XFL (remember them?) did. If football is being played during the NFL offseason, maybe people will tune in…maybe.
