Michael Vick will be eligible for Hall of Fame consideration in 2021, but does he deserve a spot in Canton?
Vick, a four-time Pro Bowler, was one of the most electric runners in NFL history, but he was never an All-Pro, never won an MVP award, never played in a Super Bowl, and went just 2-3 in the postseason. He was also just 10 games above .500 as a starter in the regular season.
Based on numbers alone, it might be tough for Vick to get in.
“If Michael Vick were to get into the Hall of Fame, I would love it,” JR SportBrief said on CBS Sports Radio. “I think it’d be great. But ultimately, in my heart of hearts, deep down, I would have to agree with him: I don’t think he’s a Hall of Famer. I don’t think he had enough success. We can talk about him changing the culture. We can talk about him adjusting the way the game has changed and [is] approached. But was he the first dude to run around and scramble? No. Was he the first guy to do it in a different space and a whole different level? Yes, and absolutely.”
Unfortunately, Vick was also the central figure in a horrific dog-fighting scandal in 2007. He received a 23-month prison sentence and a two-year ban from the league.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing him get in the Hall of Fame. I wouldn’t mind if he was voted in,” JR said. “But I can tell you this much: he knows he’s not going to the Hall of Fame. He’s not. He’s just not. Ultimately, when you look at everything he’s done on the field – not off – is Mike Vick a Hall of Famer? He says no. I happen to agree – although if I had a vote, I’d put him in.”