Michael Vick has come a long way from his dog-fighting conviction, which earned him nearly two years in federal prison.

According to TMZ Sports, the 15-year NFL veteran and Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback has become an unlikely spokesperson for an animal rights bill in Pennsylvania that would allow police officers to rescue pets from hot cars.

"I know I'm an unlikely advocate," Vick said, appearing before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday, as reported by TMZ. "All animals require kindness and respect. They depend on us like our children depend on us."

That being said, Vick didn't shy away from bringing up his 2007 dog-fighting conviction. In fact, he did the opposite, tackling it head on.

"I know that I’m an unlikely advocate. I was part of the problem when I was at my lowest," he acknowledged. "I made the decision to change and I stand by that. Now that I can reach people that activists can’t reach.

"I’ve learned that animal rights bills don’t get enough attention and I’m hoping this bill gets that attention," he continued. "Together we can be instrumental in change."

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(Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)