Obama via Asomugha: Tell Vick to Slide
Barack Obama appears to have at least one thing in common with Eagles fans: he thinks Michael Vick should slide more often to avoid injuries. Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha introduced President Obama at a fund raiser on Monday in Oakland, Calif., and the two talked football for a few minutes.
"He told me, 'Tell Vick to slide,'" Asomugha explained.
In the past, Vick has, shall we say, resisted the advice of his coaches to slide more often. Vick, who was even drafted by the Colorado Rockies, has even insisted that he is incapable of sliding.
“I don’t know how to do it,” Vick said in 2010. “I don’t know how to slide, so I won’t get into that right now. I either go head first or dive or just fall.”
While he was with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick said he tried to learn with a coach from the Braves, but that attempt failed as well.
Eventually, even head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg eased off their positions, at least publicly.
Perhaps the most powerful man in the free world will carry a bit more clout. Vick apparently caught wind of Obama's suggestion and responded on Twitter.
"If the President of the U.S is saying I need to slide then I really need to start sliding. Lol. Thanks Mr. President!" Vick posted.
Ryan Messick covers the Eagles for 97.3 ESPN FM. Follow him on Twitter.