Michael Vick and Roddy White to retire as Falcons Monday

Michael Vick and Roddy White will retire as Atlanta Falcons Monday during a special commemoration ceremony.

There comes a time for every athlete when it’s time to hang it up and move on to the next stage of their life. As much as many athletes would love to play the game they love for ever, that possibility just does not exist.

Michael Vick and Roddy White, two former Falcon greats, have reached that point. The two will officially retire Monday, as their careers in Atlanta will be commemorated by a special ceremony. They will not be signing a one day contract to become a part of the roster for a final time.

As owner Arthur Blank told atlantafalcons.com, “We do not need a contract in place to consider them a part of our family and honor their decision to retire as a Falcon.”

This is obviously a nice tribute for two significant players in Falcons history. Vick changed the game and the quarterback position entirely. He was perhaps one of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history. The man was simply a highlight reel waiting to happen. Although his legacy is unfortunately tarnished by a few years in prison, Vick became a better man because of it. He made the most of a second chance, and was able to re-enter the league. It is only fitting Vick’s journey ends this way this week.

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As for Roddy White, his time in Atlanta will never be forgotten. The former receiver is the Falcons’ all-time record holder for yards and receptions. He got off to a slow start in his first two NFL seasons, but that would hardly last. White would go ahead to post six consecutive 1,000 yard campaigns. In 11 years, “Rowdy” Roddy White was only a member of the Falcons. This should be a cool tribute to two players who certainly deserve the recognition.