Michael Vick: Joe Mixon can be an ‘example’ for kids

Michael Vick knows what it’s like to be a lightning rod for controversy, and he’s weighing in on an NFL rookie who will go through the same thing.

Vick spoke Monday about Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Joe Mixon, who made it to the NFL three years after punching a woman in the face. Vick thinks Mixon can be example for kids watching the sport.

“Kids can use this as an example,” Vick said, via Connor Hughes of NJ Advance Media. “Joe got an opportunity because he’s an exceptional talent. Others don’t get that opportunity.”

Vick, who was infamously imprisoned during his NFL career for his role in a dog fighting ring, hopes Mixon has been humbled by everything that came from the attack.

“Joe’s young, man, and he made a mistake,” Vick said. “Let’s be honest, you rarely see guys having encounters like that. It should never happen. I would never condone it. I don’t think it’s right at all.

“But in terms of his football career, if he could go back and think about it before he actually made that gesture towards that girl, he wouldn’t have done it. Not if he knew what he would be dealing with now… I think he has learned from it. Hopefully, he’s humbled by what happened to him.”

One would hope that Mixon wouldn’t do it again because it’s the wrong thing to do, not just because it comes with a lot of consequences. The Bengals have tried to defend their selection, but it will do little to reassure those who didn’t approve of the pick.