VIDEO: Disgraced Michael Vick On Joining Philadelphia Eagles: “I Won’t Disappoint”
Aug. 14 2009, Published 2:56 p.m. ET
Michael Vick wasn't scrambling when facing a bank of reporters Friday, after inking a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles following a two-year suspension from the NFL stemming from a 2007 dog fighting conviction.
"You only get one shot at a second chance... and I'm conscious of that," he said. "I understand people care about their animals; "I can't understand why I was involved in such a pointless activity."
The All-Pro ex-con will make $1.6 million this season, and team has an option on the second year for $5.2 million.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," he said. "I won't disappoint."
PETA responds to news that Vick signs with Phily Eagles
The team's owner, Jeffrey Lurie, said he leaned on the team's longtime head coach, Andy Reid and highly-respected NFL lifer Tony Dungy for support on the signing.
Said Lurie: "Frankly, the legend of Michael Vick will be determined as we move forward -- it will not be determined on a football field... maybe he can be a force in stopping the horrendous cruelty against animals."
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Lurie said he spent hours talking to Vick before making the decision to sign him.
PETA has not announced plans for protest, though we will see what kind of reception the mobile quarterback gets during the team's Sept. 13 opener, a road game against the Carolina Panthers at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium.