Some of the above posters suggest that the NFL is a meritocracy, and that Vick's physical abilities should dictate whether he gets a job or not.

Ability is one factor, but it is only one amongst many. A QB is the face of a franchise and the lynchpin of its marketing efforts. Fans like winning teams, but advertisers want someone that they can associate their products with.

Throwing a football well (even really really well) may sell seats, but being an evil, antisocial fucker that tortures animals for fun and profit stops people from buying seats, stops advertisers from associating with your product and costs the franchise more money in the long run.

Many people think Jeff George had the best arm of his generation, but was such an asshole he got fired from half a dozen teams. He's been trying to find work as a third string QB for 6 years. Compared to Vick, Jeff Goerge is Tom Brady.

Is there a franchise that would hire someone universally disliked (hated even) because it might make the team better? Maybe, but even Al Davis fired Jeff George (twice).