Petition to remove Michael Vick as honorary Pro Bowl captain receives over 200,000 signatures

Even after serving his time, returning to the league and establishing himself as an advocate for animal cruelty prevention, the former NFL star still faces backlash.

Over 200,000 sign petition demanding NFL remove Michael Vick as honorary 2020 Pro Bowl captain

Megan Sims

Dec 7, 2019

Michael Vick thegrio.com — Former quarterback Michael Vick is facing opposition to his rumored participation in the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl Game. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was recently given the opportunity to be a captain at the upcoming 2020 NFL Pro Bowl, but many people are not on board with the idea.

A woman going by the name Joanna Lind started a Change.org petition urging the NFL to remove Vick as a captain, which according to CNN, would allow him to mentor other players and be on the sidelines during the highly anticipated game.

“Just saw this on Facebook and was absolutely disgusted,” she wrote on the petition page, referring to a social media post about Vick’s inclusion. “When is the NFL going to take any responsibility for the behavior of it’s current and former players? To honor a man who had zero regard for animals is unacceptable and I would like your help to make sure he is not honored at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.”

More than 200,000 people have signed the petition and as of Saturday morning, the petition is halfway toward its goal of 300,000 signatures.

In 2007, Vick admitted to participating in the killing of dogs, mainly pit bulls, and also operating a business enterprise that involved illegal gambling. He was subsequently suspended from the NFL and was forced to file for bankruptcy. He also spent 18 months in federal prison and became the poster child for animal cruelty.

According to CNN, Vick returned to the NFL in 2009 and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017. He later signed with Fox Sports as an analyst.

As of Saturday morning, there is no word on whether or not NFL officials are reconsidering their choice to make Vick a captain at the Pro Bowl and Vick has yet to respond to the petition.

The 2020 Pro Bowl is set to take place on Jan. 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.