August 16, 2009 9:09 PM
- Text
Vick: "I Want To Be Part of the Solution"
(CBS/ AP)
Michael Vick is back in the NFL after serving one and a half years in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring, vowing to be "part of the solution and not the problem."
Vick, who was introduced Friday as the newest Philadelphia Eagle, acknowledged his checkered past but said he deserved a second chance.
"I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake," he said, adding later "I think everyone deserves a second chance … as long as you come back and do things the right way."
Vick, who signed a one-year deal with an option for a second year, was flanked by Eagles coach Andy Reid and mentor Tony Dungy.
"I really got the sense he wanted to do some great things," Dungy said. "He wanted to be a positive role model for young people. He wanted to get back to his family."
The 29-year-old Vick has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star served 18 months of a 23-month sentence in federal prison.
He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
"For the life of me, I can't understand why I was involved in such pointless activity," Vick said. "Why did I risk so much at the pinnacle of my career?"
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 are looking to add another dimension to their offense, but Vick might be looking for a new position. Vick wasn't brought in to compete with five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb for a starting job, so the two could end up on the field together.
"He's an unbelievable athlete, both running the ball and throwing it," Reid said Thursday. "I'll think of something for him."
But Vick comes with a lot of baggage from his dog-fighting conviction.
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 most likely scenario would be for the Eagles to use Vick in a variation of the Wildcat offense that the Miami Dolphins made popular last season. Vick also is familiar with the West Coast offense, though he ran a different version with Atlanta than the one Philadelphia uses.
"He can definitely make a lot of plays," Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown said.
Vick thanked Reid and Eagles ownership for taking a gamble on him. He also personally thanked McNabb for lobbying the team on his behalf.
"I'm glad that coach Reid and the rest of the organization stepped forward," Vick said. "I'm glad I got the opportunity and the second chance. I won't disappoint."
Vick, who said he has no more pets, said he planned to actively work in the community and the humane society to prove he can help more animals than he's hurt.
Vick will practice with the Eagles on Saturday.
"I'm ready to go," he said.
Michael Vick Vows To Help End Dogfighting
CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco: Vick's back in the league, but can he pass?
CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman: McNabb disrespected yet again
Philadelphia 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.
"There won't be a quarterback controversy," Reid said.
Reid consulted with McNabb before signing Vick, who went to three Pro Bowls in six seasons with the Falcons.
"I pretty much lobbied to get him here," McNabb said. "He's no threat to me, not for Kolb. We had the opportunity to add another weapon to our offense."
When news of Vick's signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles' preseason opener against the Patriots Thursday night, 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."
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 Thursday.
"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."
Reid believes most Eagles fans will accept Vick.
"This is America. We do make mistakes," Reid said. "This situation is a chance to prove he's doing the right things. He's been proactive speaking across the country."
Since 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.
The Eagles must be hoping they won't regret this one.
Vick, who was introduced Friday as the newest Philadelphia Eagle, acknowledged his checkered past but said he deserved a second chance.
"I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake," he said, adding later "I think everyone deserves a second chance … as long as you come back and do things the right way."
Vick, who signed a one-year deal with an option for a second year, was flanked by Eagles coach Andy Reid and mentor Tony Dungy.
"I really got the sense he wanted to do some great things," Dungy said. "He wanted to be a positive role model for young people. He wanted to get back to his family."
The 29-year-old Vick has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star served 18 months of a 23-month sentence in federal prison.
He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
"For the life of me, I can't understand why I was involved in such pointless activity," Vick said. "Why did I risk so much at the pinnacle of my career?"
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 are looking to add another dimension to their offense, but Vick might be looking for a new position. Vick wasn't brought in to compete with five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb for a starting job, so the two could end up on the field together.
"He's an unbelievable athlete, both running the ball and throwing it," Reid said Thursday. "I'll think of something for him."
But Vick comes with a lot of baggage from his dog-fighting conviction.
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 most likely scenario would be for the Eagles to use Vick in a variation of the Wildcat offense that the Miami Dolphins made popular last season. Vick also is familiar with the West Coast offense, though he ran a different version with Atlanta than the one Philadelphia uses.
"He can definitely make a lot of plays," Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown said.
Vick thanked Reid and Eagles ownership for taking a gamble on him. He also personally thanked McNabb for lobbying the team on his behalf.
"I'm glad that coach Reid and the rest of the organization stepped forward," Vick said. "I'm glad I got the opportunity and the second chance. I won't disappoint."
Vick, who said he has no more pets, said he planned to actively work in the community and the humane society to prove he can help more animals than he's hurt.
Vick will practice with the Eagles on Saturday.
"I'm ready to go," he said.
Michael Vick Vows To Help End Dogfighting
CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco: Vick's back in the league, but can he pass?
CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman: McNabb disrespected yet again
Philadelphia 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.
"There won't be a quarterback controversy," Reid said.
Reid consulted with McNabb before signing Vick, who went to three Pro Bowls in six seasons with the Falcons.
"I pretty much lobbied to get him here," McNabb said. "He's no threat to me, not for Kolb. We had the opportunity to add another weapon to our offense."
When news of Vick's signing circulated in the press box during the first half of the Eagles' preseason opener against the Patriots Thursday night, 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."
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 Thursday.
"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."
Reid believes most Eagles fans will accept Vick.
"This is America. We do make mistakes," Reid said. "This situation is a chance to prove he's doing the right things. He's been proactive speaking across the country."
Since 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.
The Eagles must be hoping they won't regret this one.
Popular Now in Sports
- Jeremy Lin's coach at Harvard: "He's fearless"
- Forbes list: America's most disliked athletes
- Watch: 7-foot-5 teen basketball player dominates
- Jeremy Lin unlikely star for Knicks
- Watch: Will Ferrell does Bulls-Hornets intros
- Reports: Youkilis engaged to Tom Brady's sister
- Luol Deng picked as NBA All-Star
- Ex-MLB pitcher: I did cocaine before most games
- Is Eli Manning a Hall of Famer?
- NFL: The Patriots Cheated
- Dwayne Wade's Wife, Kids Suing His Girlfriend
- Porn star: MLB agent used me to recruit players
- Ricky Williams: Parcells convinced me to retire
- Reggie Bush "stinks," teammate says
- Birdman: I'm betting $5 million on Super Bowl
- NFL's Top 100 Players of All-Time: Debate
- "Halftime in America"
Latest CBS News Headlines
on Facebook
on CBS News
- Reactions to Whitney Houston's death
- Report: Japan emperor to have heart bypass surgery
- Man to face Alabama trial in wife's diving death
- Jokinen, Iginla lift Flames over Canucks in SO
on Facebook
- Adele sings a cappella for Anderson Cooper
- Occupy protestors kicked out of CPAC
- CPAC: Will Sarah Palin spring a surprise?
- Beyonce and Jay-Z post first photos of Blue Ivy Carter
on CBS News
