City of Brotherly Love...And Second Chances

The city of Philadelphia has always been known as a tough, rugged sports town. It's not for the faint of heart if you are a visiting fan or even Santa Claus (as noted in 1968 when Eagles fans boo'ed ol' Saint Nic during a halftime performance.) They've boo'ed their own native son, Kobe Bryant during the 2002 All-Star game in Philadelphia. Donovan McNabb has been criticized, just as Randall Cunningham was throughout his career.

Yet as unforgiving and rambunctious these fans have been over the years, the city has shown in the past few months, a kinder, gentler side can and does exist. There is no better proof of this than Michael Vick and Allen Iverson.

Both guys, ironically from the same area (Hampton and Newport News, Virginia), are trying to rebuild their image and career with the help of a fan base that has been known to run guys out of town with not so much as a cheese steak from Pat's or Gino's to take wit' em.

Mike Vick was left for the dogs (sorry, pun intended). After spending time in prison for two years, Vick not only had to convince NFL owners that he was a changed man morally, but that his skills as a quarterback could still be harnessed. Most owners didn't think the risk/reward factor was worth the aggravation.

However, it was Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie who stepped up and signed Mike Vick. Lurie put his reputation on the line with a rabid fan base that tends to analyze every off season transaction like a Goldman Sachs broker on Wall Street. At first, the city was divided on this move, however, once the season began and the initial "shock and awe" wore off, Eagles fans were snatching up Vick jerseys in stores and online and screaming for Andy Reid to incorporate #7 into the offense a lot more. Keep in mind, just 5 years ago Vick and the Falcons were the Eagles nemesis in the NFC Championship game....a game which Philadelphia won.

Although his play has been limited in his return, Mike Vick can be proud of at least one accomplishment. He has won over the support of a fan base that is as welcoming as Bill O'Reilly at a Ludacris concert.

And then there is 'the Answer.' Allen Iverson was shipped out of Philadelphia back in 2006 after overextending his stay with the very franchise he kept on the map for 10+ seasons. Iverson's act had worn thin in the media and we all know how he felt about 'practice.'

After a failed experiment in Denver with Carmelo Anthony, the organization and it's fan base decided they didn't want him anymore. The Nuggets sent Iverson to Detroit where those same sentiments rang loud and clear after only a few months coming off the bench. With no where to go and feeling unwanted in summer of 2009, the Memphis Grizzlies decided to offer him a 1-year contract. Iverson humbly accepted. After a cup of coffee and two refills (3 games), Iverson was cut by the Grizzlies. So there he was....future Hall of Famer. All 180 pounds (soaking wet) blowing in the wind wondering if this was how it was all going to end. A storied career cut short in Memphis?

But wait...that same city who gave Mike Vick another chance, wanted to rescue their once proud face of the franchise, and allow him to go out with some dignity. So the 76ers welcomed Iverson back with open arms and an immediate spot in the starting line-up, where he belongs. In his first game back, fans in Philadelphia sold out the arena and greeted him with a standing ovation. Life in the NBA felt good again for Allen Iverson. This was home. This was family.

Two great athletes, who were practically begging for a second chance, found one in the same place - the city of Philadelphia. The fans checked their attitudes at the turnstiles and have been very gracious to Vick and Iverson. While the rest of the country may think Philly fans are rude and obnoxious, these two stars understand why it's still called the 'city of brotherly love.'