NFL Comeback Player of the Year Michael Vick knows a thing or two about highs and lows and will have a chance to pass on that wisdom next month as commencement speaker for Philadelphia's Camelot Schools.
*Philadelphia Sports Daily* reported Friday that Vick was chosen by students at Camelot, which partners with the city's school district to offer transition services for at-risk youth facing behavioral and emotional issues.
"These students may have made a mistake along the way, but they turned it around," Vick said in a statement. "They did the right thing and finished school. I am honored to be speaking at their commencement."
Vick beat out Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and Dr. Arlene Ackerman, the school district's superintendent.
"Based on Vick’s recent story of making a mistake, hitting rock bottom and having the courage to pick himself back up and work through difficult period of life, that was something we felt was very relevant to the student population and their story," said Milton Alexander, vice president of operations at Camelot. "It will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives."
One thing that we are constantly addressing with our students is if you make a mistake, if you make a bad decision, there is accountability involved, and just because this is your reality now it doesn’t have to be your reality forever. Vick’s story is very relevant to their situation."
After missing two seasons while serving a federal sentence for dogfighting, then spending most of the previous year as a seldom-used backup in Philadelphia, Vick was back at his best in 2010. Taking over as starter in Week 2 after Kevin Kolb sustained a concussion, Vick ran and passed the Eagles to the NFC East title and a 10-6 record.