Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers signed Vick a day before 'National Dog Day'

Published Aug. 26, 2015 11:21 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Steelers signed quarterback Michael Vick on Tuesday, drawing the ire of dog-loving Pittsburgh fans everywhere. While the franchise is getting some flak from a public relations standpoint, it could've been so much worse if they announced the signing on Wednesday.

#NationalDogDay has been the top trending topic all Wednesday morning, and there are plenty of Vick-related tweets among them although his signing with the Steelers was a day earlier.

Sorry, but it would have been funnier than hell if the @steelers signed Vick today instead of yesterday. #NationalDogDay
— Chip Reid (@ChipReid2014) August 26, 2015

Is today ACTUALLY #NationalDogDay? Vick’s first full day in Pittsburgh… That’s just too perfect.
— Mike Necciai (@Michael29Angelo) August 26, 2015

Vick spent 21 months in prison after pleading guilty in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring. He was named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 after a Pro Bowl season in Philadelphia. Injuries and age have seemingly caught up with Vick, who was waiting patiently on the sidelines this offseason waiting for a call from an NFL team after a quiet season as a backup with the New York Jets. That call came Tuesday after Steelers backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski needed surgery for a dislocated finger.

Social media went into a tizzy Tuesday as word emerged that Vick was visiting with the club, beginning with this tweet featuring Pittsburgh hockey star Sidney Crosby from the local animal shelter. One Steelers fan even launched a petition to keep Vick away.

On days like this, we’re even prouder to be the Official Animal Shelter of the Pittsburgh @penguins! pic.twitter.com/kDoFvwP8TH
— Animal Rescue League (@AnimalRescueLg) August 25, 2015

And now a sampling of tweets from fans who love their dogs much more than the Steelers.

@CoachTomlin Vick? Really? That desperate that a low life DOG KILLER is what is going to bail the Steelers. Sign him and respect is out!
— Gary E Hays (@BigPoppaGJL58) August 25, 2015

@steelers don't be foolish. This is a dog loving town.Do not sign Vick.I'd rather us have any one else. Don't make me burn my steeler gear.
— Staub (@pnstaub) August 25, 2015

@steelers long time dedicated fan. Under no circumstances should Vick be a Steeler. You'll cut steelers for pot but sign a dog abuser?
— Rishi Raj Bahl (@RishiSP) August 25, 2015

People can go ahead and roll their eyes, but I will not be supporting the Steelers, while this monster is on the... http://t.co/lz7CNpIbQr
— Rachel Burnell (@burniecheese) August 26, 2015

Some fans, however, were willing to give Vick a second chance.

iPray #Vick wins a some game for Steelers if Ben goes down. All that dog talk will quiet down then. He payed his debt. Are you perfect?
— Brandon London (@CulturedAthlete) August 26, 2015

If Vick signs with the Steelers I don't think I will bring my dog to the game anymore. #wewantvick #vick>bruce
— Ethan alfery (@Ealferyfc) August 25, 2015

How many tweets about national dog day and the steelers signing Vick. These nugs are ready for ring 7 though.?? pic.twitter.com/vBYOtgdbaT
— Kaitlyn Brooke (@kbbarger21) August 26, 2015

h/t: Sporting News