Michael Vick spoke to class of 2012 at the NFL's rookie symposium yesterday and the most important virtue he believes an NFL player must have was very clear. Personal responsibility.
"The game is going to go along, with or without you," Vick said. "You control your destiny. You dictate how long you're going to play in the league. It's all up to you. It's about commitment, dedication, preparation.
"I flew home every week when I should have been in the film room getting better," he said.
He says that personal responsibility starts with who you surround yourself with.
"Sometimes you think you know it all," Vick said. "You've got a lot of learning to do, a lot of life to live, people you're going to come in contact with. You've got to make a decision: Should I trust this person or that person? It's going to be difficult."
"Everybody makes their own decisions. Your friend can't make you do something you really don't want to do if you're strong enough to say no."
Vick said that when he first came into the league his friends were his main influences. While it his actions were all ultimately his own doing, the influence of the same guys you grew up with isn't always the best. Now, he says he counts his greatest influences as Tony Dungy and Andy Reid.
And another guy Vick likes? Roger Goodell.
"I got that chance to do it again, thanks to Roger Goodell," Vick said. "Fellas, don't get it twisted. This man is the real deal. He don't play. If he asks you a question, answer with honesty. Tell him the truth. If you get into some trouble, be honest, truthful, forthright. Don't play with this man. He'll love you to death, but the minute you cross him, he'll be all the way turned up."