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Oscar Wilde once said that England and America were two countries separated by a common language. This appears to be particularly true at Thanksgiving, the stateside holiday just passed where Americans, erm, give thanks and pass the turkey in honour of their pilgrim fathers. In England, it's an altogether more contemplative time where we mourn the loss of the colonies.

Michael Vick is neither English nor a turkey, but there's been much more to contemplate than celebrate in the recent course of his life. Incarcerated in 2007, having been implicated in an illegal dog-fighting scandal which drew the ire of the US public, Vick served two years in prison for his crimes. Perhaps the most exciting quarterback of this or any generation had hit the buffers in spectacular style - and the press had a new train wreck to promote as a cautionary tale to the heady excesses of modern-day sport.

Prior to that, Vick had been living the American Dream. Drafted "first overall" in 2001 by the Atlanta Falcons (the first African-American QB to have claimed such an honour), Vick soon became the heartbeat not only of the team but also the wider city. He had an arm that could pass for over 70 yards, even when flat-footed and standing still. However, it was his unbridled speed and agile scrambling that set him apart. Defenses foundered, touchdowns ensued, fans' chins dropped into their chests and Falcons' ticket prices soared.

But the cold truth was this was a one-man band - an exceptional player constrained by a team mired in mediocrity. And Vick knew it. He had become the highest paid player in the NFL (not bad for a kid who came from deep poverty in Virginia's ganglands) and believed his visage deserved its place atop the totem pole. No-one is above the law, though. And it's a long way down from the top of that pole.

Vick's was a fall from grace which saw him literally lose everything: his football, his fortune, his fame, his family and his freedom. He says he really hit rock bottom after his children stopped crying when they came to visit him. But they say it's darkest before the dawn. After his release and subsequent house-arrest, the bankrupt Vick finally got a gig back in the big time at the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick was provisionally reinstated after the start of the 2009 season, but was third-choice quarterback behind Pro-Bowler Donovan McNabb and his deputy Kevin Kolb. Redemption, on the field at least, would have to wait.

His chances of becoming a regular starter didn't look much better at the start of this season. Until fate intervened. First McNabb was surprisingly traded to the rival Redskins of Washington. Then, after a bizarre run of Eagles head-injuries also knocked Kolb out with concussion, Vick got his chance. And he seized it.

Since subbing admirably for the erratic Kolb, Vick has overcome the odds, a rib injury and numerous other opponents to take the Eagles ahead in NFC East - a contender for toughest division in the entire league. Kolb would have every right to feel a little bitter. But not a bit of it. He calls his team-mate a friend and natural leader with a work ethic to match. "It's changed him. No doubt," expanded Kolb on Vick's jail-term. Andy Reid, the veteran coach who staked his reputation on a redemption, agrees: "Don't forget, defenses still fear Mike but so do the American Kennel Club. But that Michael Vick has long been dead and buried."

Eagles fans, notoriously the hardest in the league to please, have also been moved. Sure, Vick humbled their former lynchpin, McNabb, in a rout of the Redskins (where he passed for a record 333 yards and four touchdowns, then rushed for a further 80 yards and another two TDs) but that isn't the only reason. His unwavering work in the community and grace in the face of constant criticism are also winning back some trust, even admiration. You get the sense Vick's humility is more than a PR campaign.

Back on the field, Vick enjoys another chance to showcase his new-found blend of ability and maturity against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. The Eagles are near-certainties to win the primetime game and bolster their prominent play-off position. They also hold decisive tie-breaking divisional records against their main rivals - a fact which makes them a very fair bet to prevail in the NFC East, for which they are 2.04 to back. Those who believe in Vick's professional salvation coming in possibly the most open year in history can also take the 12.0 on the 30-year-old leading his team to Superbowl glory.

Such a feat would doubtless complete the most compelling sports story in recent memory. And whether or not this is a man you can cheer for, Michael Vick knows he has plenty to give thanks for. No matter what the time of year.


By Romily Evans

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