When you get a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief, it’s probably a good idea to heed it.
Mike Vick was relayed a message Thursday, via teammate Nnamdi Asomugha, from President Barack Obama that he should start sliding at the end of scrambles. Message received, over and out.
“I was stunned,” Vick said. “I didn’t believe it. It was awesome.”
Vick has come under intense scrutiny for his inability (or maybe unwillingness) to simply go down in those situations to avoid injury. When he was playing in Atlanta, they even brought in a Braves player to teach him how to slide properly. Now, with a nudge from Obama, Vick appears humbled and willing.
“It was just one of those things that you hear that’s just hard to believe,” Vick said, “but at the same time when you let it all soak in, you think to yourself, ‘Man, he’s got a point.’ If he’s saying it, then I’ve got to do it. So the first run of the year, I’m sliding and you’ll know it’s for him.”
Obama, a proud Chicago Bears fan, even mentioned that he was a “fan” of the Eagles quarterback. Vick’s new goal is to try and switch the President’s allegiance.
“We’re going to try to convert him over to an Eagles fan, see if we can make him an Eagles fan by the end of the season,” Vick said.
Of course, if the Eagles win the Super Bowl, Vick would have the opportunity to meet Obama face-to-face at the White House and shake his hand. Again, Vick seemed visibly humbled.
“It would be awesome,” he said. “It would be a dream come true.”
