I don't follow the NFL to any great degree and wasn't aware of Vick's C.V. prior to his arrest. That said, I think that his future as a football player should be based on his ability to get the job done on the field and to put asses in the seats. His criminal past represents no grounds for denial of his right to earn a living at a trade he is demonstrably qualified to undertake.

A 3 season lay-off will be a hard thing to overcome at the elite level of the sport, but he should be encouraged to try. Whether he can make the turnstiles click can only be determined once his number is back in the program. He'll have a hard time clearing both of those hurdles I suspect.

But everyone, sports fans especially, LOVE watching an underdog (unfortunately apt term ain't it) make a comeback.