New York Jets owner Woody Johnson called commissioner before signing Michael Vick

Forgiven, but never forgotten – that would probably be the reasoning behind New York Jets owner calling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell prior to signing quarterback Michael Vick.

Although fans will probably never let the fact that Vick was convicted on charges of dog fighting fade away, most of the league has put it in the past. But Johnson wanted to make sure that he wasn’t getting any hidden baggage with his new QB.

“We’ve checked — we’ve talked to everyone. Commissioner Goodell, I had one conversation with him about Mike,” Johnson said per a CBSSports.com report. “I think he’ll be a real positive to help us get better. Not only at the quarterback position but also as a team.

“We didn’t talk about evaluating Michael Vick in terms of his throwing motion. Just in terms of [him as a] person. He was, very very supportive.”

Perhaps the conversation should have focused on Vick’s throwing motion – or lack thereof – or maybe her propensity for fumbling, or his inability to grasp complex offensive schemes and to read defenses. After all, this is the guy they are counting on to be a mentor to young Geno Smith.

Oh well, I guess all that stuff will work itself out in training camp under head coach Rex Ryan, who is such a great tutor of quarterbacks.

Seemed to do fine with Mark Sanchez, right?

Best of luck to you, Geno!