Michael Vick is going to start the season opener for the Philadelphia Eagles, despite the soreness that hasn’t left his ribs.
“Still sore. Feels a lot better… Working through it,” Vick said Tuesday.
The Eagles decided to change up Vick’s flak to a new Kevlar jacket, that will be custom fitted to protect the quarterback.
“I really can’t explain what goes into the type of material,” Vick said. “I’m just trying something different, that’s all I can tell you. It’s Kevlar. I’m looking forward to it… to give me more protection and just to see what comes out of it. It’s going to be custom fitted and fitted to protect all across my sternum, across my ribs. I think it’ll be a better fit.”
Dictionary.com defines Kevlar as: trademark, a synthetic fibree, consisting of long-chain polyamides, having high tensile strength and temperate resistance.
This is a great idea from the Eagles, and I’m glad Vick is willing to give it a shot, because he definitely should. Anything Michael Vick can do to reduce his risk of injury, he needs to do it.
Risk avoidance and risk management are two terms not currently in Vick’s playbook. We all know how he plays the game, with somewhat of a reckless abandon, always trying to make the big play. I love that about Vick, but at this point in his career, he’s got to play with his, and the franchise’s future in mind.
Vick has come along way in his development as a quarterback, and playing a little more conservatively is the next step. The Eagles are smart to take out this small new insurance policy to help reduce the impact to his ribs, because they know old habits die hard.
Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish
