(ThyBlackMan.com) You couldn’t have come up with Sunday’s storyline if you tried.
Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins will feature two of the most critiqued, analyzed and criticized players in the NFL. Those two players will lead their teams into the biggest game of the 2010 NFL season.
Neither man would’ve ever predicted they would meet like this. One is the castoff from the Eagles who was never good enough for Philadelphia. The 
other is the redemption story, who has electrified the NFL and grabbed every major football headline this year.
Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick have overcome incredible odds in their careers. Their paths to get here have been different, but those paths will meet and come together on Sunday.
Vick is the story of the NFL this year. The once pariah has turned into a hero. He’s captured the hearts of Philadelphians. He’s the guy that got a second chance, humbled himself, turned his life around, and has reclaimed his status as a superstar.
Just five years ago, Vick was a Pro Bowler. Just two years ago, Vick was in a jail cell, wondering if he’d ever play football again. Just a year ago, Vick was the third string quarterback for the Eagles, getting spot duty but not making much of an impact. Just a week ago, Vick showed he’s one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game, torching the Jacksonville Jaguars for four touchdowns.
It wasn’t a smooth transition. He wasn’t welcomed back to the NFL with open arms, as some fans swore they’d never cheer for him again. He was booed, mocked and doubted before he even had an opportunity to prove himself. PETA routinely did everything in its power to persuade the NFL to not let Vick play and it looked like we’d never see the brilliance Vick portrayed on the football field ever again.
It’s surprising that Vick is as good, if not better, than he was when he played for the Atlanta Falcons. It’s downright shocking though, that almost all NFL fans have embraced him. When he was indicted for dog fighting charges, he was loathed by society, and many thought he got what he deserved.
Now? People are buying his jerseys again.
And he may have never gotten this opportunity if it wasn’t for McNabb. McNabb lobbied for the Eagles to sign him before last season. McNabb and Eagles coach Andy Reid helped get him up to speed on the playbook. McNabb scheduled workout sessions with him, so he could help him become the professional he once was. McNabb has always been a friend of Vick’s, having hosted Vick’s recruiting visit to Syracuse when they were in college (Vick ended up attending Virginia Tech).
And now Vick has McNabb’s job.
McNabb has never been fully embraced by the city of Philadelphia. He was booed when they drafted him. He’s only had one truly great receiver in his career — Terrell Owens — who, in his first year with the team in 2004, helped guide the Eagles to a 13-3 record in the regular season. That year, the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl but lost to the New England Patriots.
Off the field, McNabb had a charitable foundation, was a family man, and never made headlines for doing the wrong things. That hasn’t stopped ignorant talking heads and even the NAACP from taking shots at him.
Through all of this, McNabb has maintained professionalism. He always said he loved the city of Philadelphia, even when it was clear they didn’t love him back. He wanted to retire an Eagle, and even now, still believes he’ll be cheered on Sunday.
These two represent what can be achieved from overcoming adversity. One created that adversity himself; the other never deserved it. But both overcame it.
But now these two quarterbacks, and this Sunday’s game, is all everyone is talking about. This isn’t just another football game; this is a game that will be talked about and remembered for years to come.
It’s difficult to be a black quarterback in the NFL. Whether fans want to believe it or not, black quarterbacks have to always prove they can handle, and excel, at the position.
Both McNabb and Vick have done that. And on Sunday, the two friends will prove that again in the biggest game of the season.
You couldn’t have made a story like this up.
Written By Stefen Lovelace
