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Michael Vick

Newly reinstated NFL quarterback Michael Vick now has a team to call his own. On Thursday it was announced he has been signed to a two year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The fact that Vick has not set foot on an NFL field since 2006 does not seem to phase Eagles Coach Andy Reid “I’ve seen people close to me have had second chances that have taken advantage of those” he said.

Vick was reinstated to the NFL, with provisions, last month. A number of teams had been talking to Vick and his agents and it was thought earlier in the week that Philadelphia were out of the running to sign the 29 year old.

The Philadelphia Eagles of course already have a starting quarterback in the form of Donovan McNabb and Reid has been quick to state that the addition of the man who before his dog fighting conviction was one of the most highly rated quarterback in the league will not affect his status as a starter.

Observers though cannot help but think there may be quarterback controversies brewing some where down the line. Under the terms of his conditional reinstatement Vick will be allowed to play with his new team in the final two pre season games, but then will have to sit out up to 5 of the first games. Commissioner Roger Goodell says he has the right to reinstate Vick whenever he feels fit, but it will be no later than Week 6, when provided he meets Goodell’s behavior standards, he will be free to play without restriction. So who will start against Oakland on October 18th?

Michael Vick is 29 to McNabb’s 32, and although he has seen no pro action for two years he has been training hard and claims to be in great shape. Last season saw McNabb on the Eagles bench for the first time in his career and he looked very shaky at a number of points in the campaign.

McNabb and Vick are friends though, and when speaking yesterday about the Vick deal he seemed positive “This is a better opportunity with him being here, to see how we work around here and ways we both can enhance our game . . . and be able to add a spark to this team. We’ve added some young guys at the skill position, and we’re bringing in another guy who can help us in so many ways as well.”

Michael Vick Gets a Second Chance – with Strings Attached.

Michael Vick

Two seasons after being booted out of the NFL and after spending over a year in prison after admitting he organized dog fights, Michael Vick was given a second chance on Monday by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell has reinstated Vicks status as an NFL player, but there are some rigid conditions attached.

As of Tuesday, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback can participate in training camps and preseason games. He will not however be allowed to play in the first six regular season games, although he can participate in every other activity including sitting with team mates on the sidelines. During the fifth week of the season Goodell says he will make an “assessment” of Vicks conduct and at that time he should, if he behaves, be able to participate fully in games for the remainder of the 16 game seasons.

Roger Goodell in his personal letter to Vick, which was made available to the press,  was quick to point out that the conditions imposed on Vick are not intended to be a “further punishment” for his off the field activities but rather “intended to maximize the prospect that you can resume your career and your life. “ .

As to his assessment, Goodell writes that he will base his final verdict upon the opinions “of your probation officer, outside individuals and any other concrete actions that you take”.

All of this is wonderful news for the 29 year old who during his incarceration was described as a “model prisoner” but who will still be on probation for three years. There is just one problem. Right now, Michael Vick is quarterback without a team. The Atlanta Falcons have made it clear for a while now that there is no place for him there. He has his suitors though.

The LA Raiders are reportedly to be courting Vick, possibly taking advantage of his still impressive running abilities as Wildcat quarterback. Other teams who are supposedly interested in the veterans quarterback’s services, even under the restrictive terms of his comeback, are the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots, who have a superstar quarterback in Tom Brady, but given his propensity for injury in recent seasons Vick may make a very valuable back up.

Given that Brett Farve is once again talking about comeback at the age of 39 the ultra fit Vick should have at least ten years left ahead of him. And while not every NFL fan will be happy to see Vick back in action, especially those with four legs, there is little doubt that he can still make a great contribution to any NFL side.