When former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was released recently from jail after serving the majority of his 23-month sentence in the Leavenworth, Kan., federal prison for sponsoring a dog-fighting ring, the battle lines were rigidly drawn between his supporters and animal rights activists concerning his possible return to the NFL.

Vick's critics are fierce and unrelenting in their position that he should never be reinstated in the league. His supporters contend Vick has paid his debt for his crime and should be allowed to resume his career.

In my observation, Vick has been vilified more than any professional athlete with a criminal record attempting to make a comeback. Sports blogs have been loaded with harsh comments to the effect that Vick should suffer the remainder of his life and be treated as a pariah for torturing and fighting pit bulls in the Bad Newz Kennel ring.

I understand why the anger of animal lovers at Vick's deeds runs deep, because those acts were truly atrocious. The savage fights, the electrocution and the rape-stand for forced mating are valid points in the argument that Vick did not do enough time. Plus, the fact that he blatantly lied about his involvement while his Surry County, Va., property was being investigated has caused many to believe Vick is nothing more than a cold-hearted criminal beyond redemption.

I have a problem with that latter assumption.

I realize Vick's track record is horrible, not just in his treatment of dogs, but also regarding past treatment of fans. Still, he deserves the chance to redeem himself and reform his ways. He is still a young man at only 28 years of age, and he needs the opportunity to show society that he is truly sorry for what he has done.

Fortunately, Vick has two influential people in his corner – Tony Dungy, the former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, and Wayne Pacelle, chief executive officer of the Humane Society. Dungy now is working in Christian ministry and met with Vick at Leavenworth. If anyone can help Vick turn his life around, it's Dungy, who was known throughout his coaching tenure to care deeply about his players.

Dungy has said he believes in Vick, and Dungy's counsel definitely could make the former star quarterback a better man and father to his children, which is much more important than the possibility of Vick taking another snap in the NFL.

Pacelle has taken heat from the animal-rights community for forging a partnership with Vick to work together to eliminate dog-fighting among urban youth. Pacelle has admitted he's not completely convinced Vick will make the most of this opportunity, but he maintains Vick can do a lot of good in reaching young people who still look up to him.

Pacelle is focusing on an angle that few of Vick's critics have mentioned, and that is the growing popularity of dog-fighting among African-American and Hispanic youth. Dog-fighting is glamorized in the gangster rap culture that many of these kids try to emulate, and ownership of pit bulls has become a symbol of tough masculinity. These kids would listen to Vick talk not only about the criminal ramifications of dog-fighting, but also how animal cruelty is morally wrong. They would respect Vick's opinion because they can relate to his life experiences.

Pacelle has stressed that his objective is not to aid Vick's campaign to get back to the NFL, and Vick's agreeing to work with the Humane Society does not guarantee he will play pro football again. Vick may not immediately return to the NFL because of the serious nature of his crimes. League image is important to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and he is going to seriously weigh the consequences if he allows a team to sign Vick.

I, however, am rooting for the major plays that Vick can make off the field in the game of life. Like Dungy, I'm a firm believer in personal redemption, and I hope Vick makes the necessary amends in order to move beyond this tragic point.