This Michael Vick Jersey Doesn't Fly Like An Eagle
Written: Aug 27 '09 (Updated Nov 14 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sharp looking alternate jersey; Well constructed
Cons: Vick doesn't play for the Falcons anymore
The Bottom Line: This is a great looking jersey, but is obsolete since Michael Vick no longer plays for the Falcons.
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| LonghornMan's Full Review: Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick 7 Replica Adult Nfl J... |
The Player
Love him or hate him, Michael Vick, as a National Football League quarterback is a force to be reckoned with. Michael Vick's despicable off-field indiscretions as a an active participant in the horrific sport of dog fighting almost decimated any and all opportunities this talented athlete had to prove himself as one of the elite players in the world of professional football. However, it was not was not that long ago that Vick was the face of the NFL and was promoted alongside contemporary NFL greats Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Ben Rothlisberger as the future of the NFL. This is when I purchased this jersey as a birthday gift for a close friend of mine in the Navy back in 2002.
Having personally owned nine NFL Reebok replica jerseys of University of Texas alumni including Tony Brackens, Ricky Williams, Priest Holmes, Shaun Rogers, and Aaron Ross, I knew this would be a great gift for a die-hard Virginia Tech Hokie fan. Unfortunately, much like my Ricky Williams jerseys, this jersey will never have quite the same luster as it once did.
Vital Information
This jersey is 100% polyester like all Reebok replica jerseys so fabric fading or shrinking do to laundering will never be an issue. This race car red Atlanta Falcons alternate jersey has a standard miter V-neck like all jerseys in this product line. Directly at the base of the neck is a sewn on NFL Equipment logo patch in red, blue and silver. The shoulders and sleeves are made of a shiny, tightly woven polyester and feature Vick's number 7 silkscreened in white and outlined in black. The sleeves have silkscreened white Reebok logos and Falcons logos. The armpits of the sleeves consist of white and black fabric. The nameplate in the middle of the upper back has "Vick" screen-printed in white capital letters outlined in black. The jersey is held together with sturdy double needle construction. The front and the back of the jersey below the shoulders is made of a polyester mesh diamond weave with the number 7 in white and outlined in black silkscreened squarely in the center. On the front of the jersey "Falcons" is silkscreened in a small font right above the number 7. On the left side of the front shirt tail there is an electric blue locker tag that has the NFL Equipment logo on the left side upper corner there is a blank place to write in a name and number in silver is below that and under that it reads "ON FIELD" in white stitching. Next to the NFL equipment logo, it states "Engineered by Reebok to the exact specifications of the National Football League." Below that it has the size of the jersey with the Reebok logo and name under that in red stitching. Just like the real jersey it has an extended drop tail in the back. The tags sewn in on the inside of the neck provide no laundering instructions.
Laundering and Care Instructions
Speaking from personal experience of having owned seven replica jerseys from Reebok's NFL Equipment Replica Jersey line, the jersey is relatively easy to launder. I have found that hand washing with a gentle detergent like Woolite, though time consuming, produces the best results. If pressed for time and I must use the washing machine, I set it on delicate with cold water and use a mild detergent.
Under no circumstances should one put this jersey in the dryer. I learned this lesson the hard way by putting the first Reebok Replica jersey I owned in the dryer on low, causing the screen-printed numbers on the front to crack and peel slightly. Ever since then I have hung my jerseys on a plastic coat hanger to dry. I currently use this method of drying for all my jerseys and it has kept the letters and numbers free from any signs of cracking or peeling. If you choose to hang the jersey outside, make sure not to hang it in direct sunlight as this is the only type of wear that, if prolonged, will cause the polyester to fade.
Purchasing and Pricing
I bought this jersey online about 7 years ago for about $60.00 plus shipping and handling from East Bay's catalog so that I could have it shipped overseas. I am sure that the price has changed significantly since then. I imagine this is especially true considering Vick's recent trials and tribulations as well as the fact he no longer plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
If one is dead set on purchasing one of these jerseys, the best option is to shop the secondary market such as Ebay, Yahoo Stores, thrift stores and discount clothing outlets. Under the circumstances, I see no reason to pay retail for this jersey. This particular jersey is selling for as low as $5.50 on Ebay while the Reebok Game Day jerseys are going for as low as $15. This is significantly cheaper than the lowest price of $54.99 a Philadelphia Eagles Reebok Replica jersey with silkscreened numbers like this one and the Game Day Michael Vick Game Day jersey with sewn on letters at the lowest price of $200. Also, as the Game Day jerseys go, be aware of bootlegs that are of lower quality and are not licensed by the NFL.
Since nobody knows how this whole thing might turn out, I think the best option is to buy the "FORGIVE VICK Go Eagles" unlicensed 100% cotton t-shirt for $9.99 plus shipping and handling on Ebay. However, if you are an Eagles fan and do not think Vick has or will change you can bid on a "Vick's an Eagle Hide Your Beagle" t-shirt.
Fashion Longevity
This jersey is more of a monument to animal cruelty and riot inciting red flag than a fashion statement. I believe that this jersey conjures up thoughts of a time in Michael Vick's career that he, along with most of his fans would rather forget for the time being. Perhaps with time the bad memories triggered by this jersey will fade and it will once again represent his on field excellence rather than his off field transgressions. Only time will tell.
Look for Michael Vick's Philadelphia Eagles jersey to potentially close the door on what this Falcons jersey has come to represent. I sincerely hope that with the opportunity to play for a different NFL team and make amends for his past transgressions against animals by using his celebrity to set an example, Michael Vick will be able to turn things around. With any luck, by this time next year, people will be wearing Michael Vick jerseys with pride. Unfortunately for me, this will not be the case. Not because of his past, but because as a Cowboys fan I will never be caught dead wearing an Eagles jersey.
Final Analysis
Michael Vick's racing car red home Reebok Replica jersey is a quality product from a quality product line that will last a long time if cared for properly. However, unless you relish being jeered in public and having rocks thrown at you by PETA storm troopers, I cannot recommend purchasing this jersey. If you feel that you absolutely must own a Michael Vick jersey, I recommend his Virginia Tech Hokies college jersey or his new Philadelphia Eagles jersey. I think you will be much happier with either of those in the long run.
Personally, I believe Michael Vick will change and believe that he is far more valuable as a celebrity speaking out for animal rights and donating money to that end than he would be if he had to spend any more time in prison or face any further suspension from the National Football League. No matter how you feel about Michael Vick, let's all hope he can make a change for the better. We've seen enough athletes fall from grace; wouldn't it be nice to see an uplifting story of change again like we did with Josh Hamilton? I, for one would be happy to see that transpire.
As of September 2, 2009 Michael Vick's Philadelphia Eagles Reebok Game Day jersey was the 4th best-selling jersey on NFLshop.com.
Recommended:
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LonghornMan
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Location: Dallas, TX Dirty South
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