And yet somewhere across this glorious country of ours right now — someone still wants Michael Vick banned from the NFL for his past sins.
Vick took a visit to the Pennsylvania’s state Capitol on Tuesday to lobby lawmakers for legislation to help protect cats and dogs from being left in hot vehicles.
Vick visited the statehouse Tuesday to support a bill that would shield first responders from liability for any property damage they cause when rescuing animals from unattended cars and trucks. The bill also would make it a summary offense to leave a cat or dog in an unattended vehicle in extreme heat.
Vick was a star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 for his role in a dog-fighting ring and served nearly two years in prison. The Hampton, Virginia, native is now a backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and, off the field, an advocate for animal welfare.
Since his 2009 release from prison, Vick has worked on a number of animal rights issues.
Democratic State Rep Jake Wheatley, spoke highly of the Steelers quarterback as well.
“This is another example of a person who has faced some adversity, paid his debt to society, and now wants to use that experience to provide some guidance for others so they don’t have to make similar mistakes,” said Rep. Wheatley. “I take my hat off to him.”
Vick was there on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States.