courage (kur-ij):
-noun
1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
2. Obsolete. the heart as the source of emotion.
3. Not killing dogs and staying out of jail. Basically, doing what your handlers tell you to do.
OK, I made up the third one. Kind of. Actually, it’s the Philadelphia Eagles definition of courage, as it applies to the Ed Block Courage Award.
The award is an annual thing that all NFL teams do. The players vote on who they think is most deserving, usually for charitable work in the community, or coming back from a devastating injury. Think of the NFL players you see volunteering their time visiting sick kids in hospital, or setting up organizations to raise money for a worthwhile charity.
Now, try and see Mike Vick in that same light. Can’t do it, eh?
Know why?
It’s because he doesn’t deserve the award. Notice I said award–he served his time, and like everyone else in this world, the man deserves a second chance. Which is exactly what the Eagles provided him.
But an award for courage? I think not. And Vick’s humble response (note: sarcasm) makes it that much more difficult to swallow.
“I’ve had to overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can bear,” Vick said. “Take a look at what I’ve been through. You ask certain people to walk in my shoes, they probably couldn’t do it — probably 95 percent of the people in this world. Because nobody had to endure what I’ve been through — situations I’ve been put in, situations I’ve placed myself in, decisions that I’ve made — whether they were good or bad. There are always consequences behind certain things and there are repercussions behind them, too. Then you have to wake up every day and face the world, whether they perceive you in the right perspective or it’s a totally different outlook on you.”
Courage and humility. Michael Vick is the complete package. So congrats Vick, for not killing any dogs this year, and not getting thrown in jail–again. Maybe next year you’ll win the Nobel Peace Prize or something. [PFT, Image]
