PITTSBURGH — Michael Vick’s faith never wavered.

Not when months went by and the phone didn’t ring. Not when his arrival in Pittsburgh at the end of training camp sparked small protests outside the Steelers’ facility and a few raised eyebrows within it.

And certainly not when he saw Ben Roethlisberger grabbing his left knee in St. Louis last Sunday, the franchise quarterback’s medial collateral ligament sprained and his immediate future very much in doubt.

Sure, this isn’t the way Vick wanted to get back on the field. Yet the four-time Pro Bowler isn’t about to apologize for the opportunity in front of him.

“I kept the faith and kept believing,” Vick said Tuesday. “This is what I love to do, so I continue to work hard at it. I just have to keep fighting every day.”

Vick will run out of the tunnel at Heinz Field on Thursday night as the starter when the Steelers (2-1) host Baltimore (0-3). What better showcase to go out and prove that at 35 and in the twilight of an enigmatic career that he ‘s still one of the most unique talents to ever line up under center?

“I feel like I have a chance to go out and play freely and enjoy the game, enjoy this moment and be out there with my teammates,” Vick said.

The presence of All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown and All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell means Vick won’t be required to save the day as much as not ruin it.