Michael Vick is no stranger to controversy and struggles. Unfortunately, he’s made poor decisions but the worst decision would have been to continue on the path he was on; instead Vick decided to take the path of redemption and change.

“I make mistakes just like anyone else. No one in this world has lived a perfect life. Some things are worse than others but you can’t condemn a person forever for what they’ve done in the past,” Vick said.

Vick doesn’t want to justify the reasoning behind his actions because he knows and will forever live with the penalties of those mistakes. He encourages those in doubt to read his book, so that they can hear his truth; no preconceived notions or opinions, just the truth.

“Redemption means to have an opportunity to do right all over again,” Vick said. Vick knows that he cannot wrong his rights or change the past, but he can continue his life on a path to redemption that will make him a better person. “Everything isn’t perfect in life and if you have an opportunity to do right, you have to make the most out of it,” Vick said.

Vick’s number one priority in life is his kids and the children that look up to him as a role model. “I want to be the best role model I can be for my kids and kids out in the world because, they are our future. They are the ones who are going to make the world a better place.” Vick understands that his scandalized past not only hurt himself and his family, but also other kids and families who idolized his every movement. He realizes this now, more than ever and strives to live up to that image.

“I’m focusing on the Team Vick foundation. We go out in the community and we help other charitable organizations try to build and help out in the inner cities. Try to keep children on the right track,” Vick said. He has lived through scandals, controversy and wants to let others know that his mistakes don’t have to be repeated by others and to live life to the fullest. “I want to give them an opportunity to dream and believe,” Vick said.

It’s been a rough road – waking up every day knowing what you’ve done and what you have to do in order to change and be a better role model, football player, citizen and man. “To all my fans who supported me throughout the trials and tribulations, I just want to let them know I’m appreciative of it and I support them as well,” Vick said.

At the end of the day, regardless of his actions, Vick has to live with what he’s done in the past. However, that’s the key – it’s the past. People are capable of change. Luke 6:37 says it best, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Finally Free, Michael Vick w/ foreword by Tony Dungy. Vick gives details of his fall from the spotlight, his search for forgiveness, and his return to the NFL.