More than 20K sign petition against Steelers' signing of Vick

BY foxsports • August 27, 2015

There are more than a handful of Steelers fans who do not like the idea of new backup quarterback Michael Vick joining their team.

A petition has been launched on Change.org to unite Steelers fans against the arrival of Vick, who signed with the club on Tuesday. The petition had more than 20,000 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.

The originator of the petition had a stern message for the Steelers' newest signee:

"Michael Vick is a convicted felon and no-class piece of crap. He is also a terrible QB which is why he has no team. Let's united as Steeler fans - as NFL fans - and stop him from playing on our team! Steelers fans united! Sign to keep Vick from ever wearing the coveted Steelers uniform!!"

A sampling of other outrage on the page from Steelers fans:

"I have been a loyal Steelers fan for over 50 years and I am sickened to think that the integrity that we, the Steeler Nation, have been so proud of is in jeopardy. Art Rooney Sr. is probably turning over in his grave at the thought of having this felon on the team. Michael Vic didn't have the guts to attempt to brutalize someone that could defend themselves, but brutalized a species that could not stand up against him. Go to hell Michael Vic ... that is where you belong, not Pittsburgh."

"I am an animal lover, owner, and advocate. Michael Vick is a monster. He is the reason I have lost so much respect for the NFL. What he did to those dogs is UNFORGIVABLE! He does not deserve to be called a human being. If he hadn't gotten caught, he would still be out there killing dogs in the most horrific ways. Pittsburgh does not need the likes of him. I will no longer support the Steelers if he is hired."

Vick practiced with his new team for the first time Wednesday — which also happened to be National Dog Day — in front of a handful of protesters.