Flanked by his new boss, Eagles Coach Andy Reid, and self-appointed mentor Tony Dungy, Michael Vick promised Friday to prove to fans he's a new man.
Vick signed with Philadelphia Thursday night, agreeing to be paid $1.6 million for the first of his two-year deal and the Eagles have a $5.2 million option for the second year. On Friday, he addressed the fans.
"I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake," Vick said. "Now I want to be part of the solution and no the problem."
Vick, once the NFL's highest-paid player, has not played since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, and served 18 of a 23-month sentence in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
"To this day, I have to live with that shame and that embarrassment," he said.
Reid called the move "exciting" and said he feels Vick is in a "good place."
"I'm a believer that as long as people go through the right process they deserve a second chance," Reid said in the post-preseason game press conference. He said there won't be a "quarterback controversy" adding that Donovan's still in charge of the offense.
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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.
