Veteran free agent quarter-back Michael Vick has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as back-up to Ben Roethlisberger. The 35-year-old Vick has signed a one-year deal which could see him earn up to $1 million (Dh3.67m) if he makes the Steelers team.
“There’s not a throw on the field he can’t make from an arm strength standpoint,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s a very experienced guy at what he does at this point in his career. And obviously the mobility is still unique, even at 35.”
Vick was the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and played for the team through 2006 until his conviction and imprisonment for running a dog fighting ring. He played four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the New York Jets last year.
Tomlin said he was unfazed by Vick’s chequered past with Steelers fans taking to social media to voice their discontent.
“He’s done a lot since he’s gone through some of the things he’s gone through,” Tomlin said. “His track record to this point in that regard speaks for itself.”
Roethlisberger – who provides dogs to local police forces through his personal charity – also said Vick’s convictions for animal cruelty were of no concern.
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“For me, it’s about any way, any person, anything that can help this team,” he said. “If that means Michael Vick, then so be it. It’s about football in this locker room.”
The Denver Broncos, meanwhile, have agreed to terms with guard Evan Mathis to sure up their offensive line. Mathis, a two-time Pro Bowler, will join Denver on a one-year deal with a $2.5m base salary that can reach up to $4m if he hits on incentives, such as percentage of offensive snaps.
The Philadelphia Eagles released Mathis in the offseason over a contract dispute.
“Evan Mathis is an accomplished veteran who has played at a very high level for the last several seasons,” Broncos general manager John Elway said in a statement.
