Originally taken No. 1 overall out of Virginia Tech by the Atlanta Falcons during the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick revolutionized the position with his athleticism and arm strength.
Advertisement
After struggling in his role previous year, Vick will likely be more comfortable with the role he will potentially be given in Pittsburgh.
A source “with knowledge of the visit” informed USA Today that Vick was in Pittsburgh, but chose to remain anonymous because the team has not announced Vick’s meeting.
Roethlisberger – who provides dogs to local police forces through his personal charity – also said Vick’s convictions for animal cruelty were of no concern.
Although many dog-lovers and Steelers fans are upset that the team signed Vick, he may see very little game time – perhaps even less than last season when he was with the New York Jets. After being released from prison, Vick reportedly received some free agent interest from Tomlin. He also rushed for 153 yards on 26 carries (5.9 average) with no touchdowns. The Steelers are now looking at Vick to fill the backup quarterback void left by Bruce Gradkowski after he dislocated a finger in his left hand.
Roethlisberger said he supported the potential addition of Vick if the move helps the team. Gradkowski had just come off the physically unable to perform list because of a right shoulder injury and had just one week of practice before playing on Sunday.
Still, the idea of his signing has brought up some dramatic responses from Steelers fans. The distractions, though, were considered too much for the Steelers and it was never seriously pursued.
Tomlin said the situation isn’t unlike what the Steelers went through in 2008 when Charlie Batch was injured during training camp.
After missing the entirety of the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Vick resurfaced in 2009 as a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vick is entering his 13th season in the NFL in 2015.
Advertisement
“So glad that I have an opportunity to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and play for a great organization”, he said, via the Beaver County Times.
