Vick Signs with Philadelphia Eagles

(CBS/ AP)  By halftime, the Linc was buzzing: Michael Vick was an Eagle.

Suddenly, no one seemed to care much about the preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. All that mattered to most fans was that the disgraced quarterback had joined their team.

Agent Joel Segal confirmed the signing, shortly before the Philadelphia Eagles announced it in a text message. The team gave Vick a one-year deal with an option for a second year.

"We don't need another quarterback, especially him," longtime fan Donald Crispin said.

CBS Sports "NFL TODAY" anchor James Brown, who interviewed Vick said Vick has to "answer the question to those who want to give him a second chance."

As for the Eagles signing Vick, Brown told CBS' "The Early Show" the move was "significant," adding that Vick is a "phenomenal" player.

The 29-year-old Vick, once the NFL's highest-paid player, has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting ring, and served 18 of a 23-month sentence in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team, practice and play in the last two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick can participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

The Eagles reached the NFC championship game last season under quarterback Donovan McNabb, and are still looking for their elusive first Super Bowl win.

McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years, and was rewarded with a $5.3 million raise in the offseason. The Eagles tore up his old contract with two years remaining, and gave him a new deal worth $24.5 million over the next two seasons.

The team is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in him, but that may have changed when backup Kevin Kolb strained a knee ligament earlier this week. Kolb's injury isn't serious and he's expected to return next week. The Eagles also have veteran A.J. Feeley.

When news of Vick's signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles' preseason opener against New England, even the team's public relations staff seemed surprised.

The crowd quickly caught on at Lincoln Financial Field. Fans standing on the concourse were in disbelief. One guy wondered how quickly he'd be able to buy a Vick jersey. Another asked if this was a joke.

"It doesn't make any sense," said Michelle Harlan, a mother attending her first NFL game with a young son.

In the 60 Minutes interview, Vick accepted blame for not stopping the illegal dogfighting operation he bankrolled.

Vick said he feels "some tremendous hurt behind what happened."

He said he should have taken "the initiative to stop it all ... I didn't."

Asked if he was more concerned about his playing career or the dogs he hurt, Vick replied, "Football don't even matter."

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The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wasted no time reminding people exactly what Vick had done.

"PETA and millions of decent football fans around the world are disappointed that the Eagles decided to sign a guy who hung dogs from trees. He electrocuted them with jumper cables and held them under water," PETA spokesman Dan Shannon told The Associated Press.

"You have to wonder what sort of message this sends to young fans who care about animals and don't want them to be harmed."

Since Andy Reid became the head coach in 1999, the Eagles have avoided players with character issues. The lone exception came in 2004 when Philadelphia acquired wide receiver Terrell Owens. That move paid off when Owens helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl in his first season. But T.O. quickly wore out his welcome, criticizing management over a contract dispute and feuding with McNabb. He was released midway through the 2005 season.

"I couldn't envision Mike being here," said former Eagles linebacker Ike Reese, a teammate of Vick's in Atlanta in 2005-06. "I didn't see where he fit in. I think most people in the locker room would accept it. Donovan is very secure in his position. He wants to see Mike get another opportunity."

[rtrav85]

Vick did some awful things. But this is an amazing opportunity the NFL and the Eagles have given him. We all have to hope that Vick does well, and gives back to the community in a huge way. Wouldn't it be great to see the Eagles win, and see Vick give all of his money back to his community and to charities?

Interesting article here about what's going on in Philly with Vick, and what we should expect...
https://www.mindreign.com/en/mindshare/Sports/Will-Michael-Vick-Divide-Philadelphia-3f/sl40763392bp470cpp5pn1.html

[jeanniep3]

Benton09, you misunderstood my comment. I was pointing out the similarities between TO's and Vick's 'toxic player attitude.' Both of them have turned their own fans against them and both are not 'team players.' By saying he's the Terrell Owens of 2009, I was referring to the Eagle's relentless pursuit of a Superbowl win.

[didi223]

This whole thing sickens me. If Michael Vick didn't get cought he would still be torturing and killing animals. His only regret is getting busted.
I personally believe that these players should be role models for our children and torturing animals, going to prison for a short amount of time and getting out and making 5 million dollars is clearly not what i consider a Role model..... Fan my whole life and i'm DONE

[jackp32]

He is a dog killer. Sadly, there are mentally ill people who think he deserves another chance in the NFL. That Reed guy cannot even control his own kids. If Vick needs a baby sitter to keep him in line, he should have remained in the big house where he belongs anyway. He has a long history of misconduct while with the Falcons and there is no reason to believe that he will act any differently going forward.

[zonkzilla]

Can we arrange something between Vick and Steven Segal?
I hear Segal hates people who abuse dogs.
I will pay for view for that one.

[sddemocrat]

I wasn't talking about forgiveness, it's not mine to give. I am talking about SECOND chances. We all deserve a second chance to either make the same mistakes or change. It is up to each individual person what they decide to do with their second chance.

[SkirtLifter]

I heard Michael Vick is going to breed Puggles & Chiweenies. Go MV!

[sddemocrat]

If he hadn't lied about his involvement in the first place, he would have alot more people believing he's sincere about being responsible. By choosing to lie when he was caught to not only his teammates, but to his coach and the Atlanta Falcon organization, it showed them he wasn't taking responsiblity like he should. I sincerely hope he has learned from his past mistakes and treats his new team with respect and uses this second chance wisely. Everyone deserves a second chance to prove that they have changed. I applaud the Philadelphia Eagles for wanting to give him a second chance.

[Oregon_State_OSU]

Well everybody gets a second chance for what they did. Martha Stwart, Cobie Bryant, Wess Snypes, OJ & the list goes on and on and on.

Mike Vick spent his time behind bars, Lost Millions of dollars in Sponsors like Nike and Coke. Lost Millions behind bars, filed for Bankrupt. He did his time, He did his sentence & I am glad he is going to play PRO Ball Again. More power to him. I don't condone what he did what so ever !.

Sure Mike Vick will be greated with BOO's but if the Eagles win and have a good record that will turn to Cheers in Phily real quickly.

When Mike Vick walks onto the Football Field I will bet there 100s of Dog Treats get thrown onto the Field.

[shanlynn1976]

I can honestly say I am not surprised. Of course we should all feel sorry for this dirtbag and welcome him back to the NFL with open arms. After all, the man has to make a living. He has rights. What about all of those dogs whose rights he violated? He is not sorry at all for what he has done. He sits there smug and full of himself. He should have been ordered to spend the rest of his life working in an animal shelter. Our society needs to pull together and enact stiffer laws to punish scum like Michael Vick. He should have been thrown into a pit with those dogs who had to be euthanized because of what he turned them into. They should have been able to tear him to shreds. Wake up Commissioner Goodell and Coach Reid, he has not changed. He does not deserve a second chance nor all of the publicity that comes with it. I guess as long as the Commissioner is still getting his $11.2 million salary, he can look the other way. These dogs, along with all animals have rights too!