ATLANTA (AP) – Michael Vick made a triumphant return to the Georgia Dome on Sunday, riding onto the field in a convertible to a raucous ovation that made it clear Atlanta Falcons have forgiven their former franchise quarterback.
Despite an online campaign calling for the Falcons to revoke their invitation over a dogfighting case that sent Vick to prison for nearly two years, he received by far the loudest ovation from the sellout crowd of 70,835 during a ceremony honoring the final regular-season game at the team’s home of 25 years.
“There are a lot of people who forgave me,” Vick said before the game. “It gives me another opportunity to show a different side of myself. I’m just thankful I have a lot of supporters.”
Vick, wearing a black No. 7 jersey and a silver Falcons cap, blew kisses and threw up his arms in appreciation.
“It was all good,” said former Falcons receiver Roddy White, who rode onto the field with Vick after about a dozen former players came out in pickup trucks, the crowd erupting when highlights from the former quarterback’s career began playing on the video board. “I’m glad they did something to recognize the work we put in. This is home. Mike started here. We’re all a family together.”