Michael Vick last played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2006, but he can still get the place started. The former No. 1 overall pick sounded the train horn before Sunday night’s 30-23 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the same night former defensive end John Abraham joined the team’s Ring of Honor.
However, for some fans, it was a cue to ask when Vick gets a spot in that same Ring.
Falcons’ Post Sparks Calls for Michael Vick’s Induction
The message itself left plenty of room for interpretation, with the team writing simply “Falcons Family” on Monday night.
That family grew by one the night before. Former coach Mike Smith introduced Abraham at halftime, and fellow Ring of Honor members Warrick Dunn and Roddy White handed him his jacket.
Abraham, whose 68.5 sacks are officially recognized as the most in team history, became the 15th member of the Ring that already includes Matt Ryan, the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, and now its president of football.
But as Falcons fans took notice of the team’s post, there were renewed calls for Vick to get his rightful place in the annals of the team’s history.
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“When does that guy get his red jacket?” one Falcons fan replied, asking when Vick will get his due.
One fan replied to the same post, writing that the fans “need” Vick in the Ring of Honor.
Another account underlined that same thought, writing it’s time to “put Vick in the Ring of Honor!!”
Michael Vick Still Waiting Since Arthur Blank’s 2017 Ring of Honor Remark
The idea is hardly new. On June 12, 2017, Falcons owner Arthur Blank honored Vick and White as retired former players at a ceremony in his Buckhead offices. Blank said his family foundation was dedicated to giving second and third chances and that he had no problem honoring Vick.
“Both, given their records as Falcons players and their careers, they would certainly be considered for that,” Blank said when asked whether the two were Ring of Honor possibilities. More than nine years later, Vick is still waiting, and it appears fans have had enough of it.
Another fan wrote, “Time for that ceremony,” urging the franchise to finally do what’s right.
Vick is now the head coach at Norfolk State, whose Spartans beat Virginia Lynchburg 62-0 on Saturday to improve to 4-3, the day before his return to Atlanta.
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“Did him dirty, now we are using him to elevate the brand,” another fan griped, aiming criticism at the franchise.
Vick, of course, never played for the Falcons again after pleading guilty to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge in August 2007. He was sentenced to 23 months, serving about 19 months in prison and another two under home confinement before returning to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.
Not everyone was sold back when Blank made his remarks in June 2017. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Steve Hummer wrote the day after the 2017 ceremony that he would not put Vick’s name in the rafters. He also wrote that the Ring has no hard and fast standards and that, if not for Vick’s fall, the Falcons would not have Ryan.
As things stand, the next spot is already spoken for. The late Bill Fralic, a three-time All-Pro guard, will become the 16th member when the Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.