Mike Vick Signs Two Year Deal With The Philadelphia Eagles
Posted by Media Outrage on August 14, 2009
Michael Vick has to be all smiles this morning after reaching a two year agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick is finally back! He will back up Donovan McNabb. More info on the deal when you
Via ESPN:
Quarterback Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, his agent, Joel Segal, confirmed to ESPN.com.
Vick arrived in Philadelphia Tuesday morning and remained there Wednesday evening. The Eagles will hold a news conference on Friday morning to announce his signing. The first year of the deal is for $1.6 million with an option for the second year at $5.2 million, sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. Vick can also earn an additional $3 million in incentives over the two years of the contract, sources told ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli.
Vick was the No. 1 draft pick in 2001 by the Atlanta Falcons and once the highest-paid player in football. But he has not played since 2006 when his career came tumbling down. He was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
But after serving his time and being released from home confinement July 20, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick’s suspension, allowing him to sign with a team.
Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games. Once the season begins, Vick may 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.
“I’m a believer that as long as people go through the right process, they deserve a second chance,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “He’s got great people on his side; there isn’t a finer person than Tony Dungy. He’s proven he’s on the right track.”
The Eagles went to the playoffs 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 Vick, 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. “We have to make sure he gets back in football shape. He comes into a good, stable unit here. Donovan and Michael are very close.”
Reid made sure he spoke with McNabb before signing Vick.
“I pretty much lobbied to get him here,” McNabb said. “I believe in second chances and what better place to get a second chance than here with this group of guys. … He’s no threat to me, not for Kolb. We had the opportunity to add another weapon to our offense.”
Vick could be used in a variation of the Wildcat offense that the Miami Dolphins made popular last season. He’s also familiar with the West Coast offense, though Atlanta ran a different version than the one Philadelphia uses.
“He’s an unbelievable athlete, both running the ball and throwing it,” Reid said. “I’ll think of something for him.”
Team owner Joe Banner said Vick’s deal was basically complete two days ago, but that the team met with him before it was signed, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He said the team’s due diligence included discussions with commissioner Roger Goodell’s office, with Dungy, who is serving as Vick’s personal adviser, and the National Humane Society.
“I just hope the people will understand that we did our research,” Banner said, the newspaper reported.
“It was very tough initially, but everybody we talked to said the same thing, that he was remorseful and that he had gone through an incredible transformation, that he was basically good at heart,” Banner said, according to the Daily News. “We heard this over and over again from people who felt he deserved a second chance.”
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 stadium was buzzing by halftime as word spread. Fans standing on the concourse were in disbelief. One fan wondered how quickly he’d be able to buy a Vick jersey. Another asked if this was a joke.
“We got quite a few calls from people who were upset. But there was a fairly significant, large number, in favor. I’d say there was a smaller number opposed,” banner said, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. “We’ve been hearing anecdotes of people in sports bars who were enthusiastic about it. There were some chants for Vick here at the game.”
A three-time Pro Bowler, Vick rushed for 1,039 yards in 2006, the most by a quarterback in a single season in NFL history. His 8.45 yards a carry average that season is also an NFL record. Vick appeared in 74 regular season games (67 starts) from 2001-06, completing 930 of 1,730 passes for 11,505 yards and 71 touchdowns. He rushed for 3,859 yards and 21 touchdowns. He is 2-2 as a starter in the playoffs with both losses coming against the Eagles.
The Eagles travel to meet Vick’s former team, the Falcons, in Week 13 on Dec. 6.
Mediaoutrage- About time! Congrats to Michael Vick for getting back into the league and earning a check. What kind of impact do you think his addition to the Eagles will have on the team?
bobbygee said
lets hope this is the right move for both Vick and the Eagles. Forgiveness is the key. I hope Vick repented for his sins. I sure hope he will now make amends for his wrongs. This signing doesn’t mean he will play a down in the regular season. It is all in God’s hands. http://bobbygee.wordpress.com/
Jolie said
He should get a second change and people should forgive him, but I have five dogs and every time I think about what he did I get so sad and mad.
Terrance said
I think this may be the first time in the history of the NFL that you have two black pro bowl quarterbacks on the same team. I’m happy to see Mike back in the league. My only concern is that I don’t think he’s gonna get any burn in Philly. Welcome back Mike, Philly stand up!
sumarrain said
That is terrific news, I like Mike Vick and he deserve a second chance.
Yeah I Said It said
I am happy, I wish the Steelers had decided to pick him up.
Now this is just my own take on life. … I use to wish who ever or whatever you harm,you would die and come back as that person or animal and know you are back in life in their body. So you are a racist, you will become the persons race you hate. If you mistreated animals you will know the pain that animal suffered at your hands. (getting off my though box now)
MissTX85 said
I don’t care where his ass is at long as he’s back! Love Vick! Don’t think he’ll get a chance to prove himself really as far as the game goes since he won’t get to play ’til Oct. But whatever, long as he’s in the league I’m good.
And I’m sorry, but I could care less about some damn dogs or any other animal losing its life when it’s so many HUMANS losing their lives or having their lives taken behind senseless shit!
HUMAN life is more important! Point blank!
Rafiq14 said
WONDERFUL,now if they can go to the BIG DANCE and WIN would really be WONDERFUL.But peep this it’s funny how the UFC,MMA and the Tuffman competion hasn’t been band because of the destruction of human flesh.The straight up violence it shows is really inhumane,but thats ok to injure the direct desendants of GOD ‘but to harm the kanine oh you are looked at as the worlds worst human being.Phuck them people Vick take care of your business,I’m glad U R BACK.
ucanb2 said
Great! Now just keep on the right track, cause people are going to be watching him like a hawk!
lowridaz said
damn philly picking up all they can, they needed it, the beagles may be ok, yea right, anyhow good luck vick!
Dickwell Thrust said
The Eagles really didnt need that over their desperate need of REAL receivers. But good look on them giving second chances.
Lee said
Yes!!! I’m glad the Eagles gave this man a 2nd chance! He served his time!! I wish some people would just lay off of him! There are so many other players that have done way worse than what he did. I can imagine how he is to get back on that field!!!
leegill said
Good for Mike ! He served his time and now let him get on with his life. This whole scene is basically broken down along racial lines. White folks want him hanged, African Americans say just let him go to work!
Link Ups | Miss Jia: She ain’t for everybody… said
[...] Michael Vick is ON with the Eagles, baby……Media Outrage [...]
ALLISWELL5 said
Good for Vick!!…..he did his time like a man, so let him play.
He will definitely bring money to Philly!
BroadStreetBully said
Good look for Vick. Dont know how much it will help us but still good to see the brotha back in the NFL.
Marathon_Man said
In honor of Mike Vick’s return……………..
FUCK THEM DOGS! FUCK THEM DOGS! FUCK THEM DOGS! FUCK THEM DOGS!
Yeah I Said It said
Awwwwwwwwww, MM don’t say that. I saw the pictures of the dogs and it made me want to cry.
Marathon_Man said
I was joking but I didn’t think it was a big deal. It’s a custom down south. Something they do. Im with MO on the whole animal craze when these same people didn’t give a FUCK when JAMES BYRD got dragged from the back of a pick-up truck in TEXAS. Where was the public outrage then? So I say FUCK SOME DOGS when you got cops out here murdering young black men left and right. I could give a fuck about some dogs. lol Real talk.
lowridaz said
hey I like dude, wish we could of got him, will see it do what it do!!!!!! ITS THAT TIME
sweetthang05 said
Get it Mike!
danibabygurl said
That’s a good look for the Eagles, but to hell with them. Let’s go Giants!!!
Mafia War Money Cheats said
Forget slaving away completing jobs on mafia wars for cash. With my mafia wars money cheats, all that becomes childs play. Literally, in 5 minutes, you can have as much cash as you want.