Michael Vick Named Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year

Put all your personal feelings aside for a moment. Try and look back through your highlight reel of the 2010 NFL season, focusing strictly on play on the field. Who should be selected as the comeback player of the year?

The NFL Network answered that question by announcing Saturday that Michael Vick has been chosen as the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year. Vick also was a runner-up to Tom Brady for the AP’s Offensive Player of the Year award.

The honor seems to show that Vick’s presence in the NFL is becoming more accepted, and his playing capabilities are being appreciated. He had missed two seasons while in prison serving a sentence for being involved with dogfighting.  His return in 2009 to the Philadelphia Eagles was limited to a back-up position with little playing time.

When Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion in the first game of the 2010 season, Vick took over and had a career year.  He rushed for 676 yards with nine touchdowns while bringing the Eagles to an NFC East title. Plus, he had a 62.6 completion percentage and 100.3 passing rating, both career bests.

In March, Vick’s contract with the Eagles will be up, leaving his future in Philadelphia up in the air. No extensions can be signed until the expiring collective bargaining deal is renewed. However, the Eagles could still apply the franchise tag to Vick by the February deadline.