Welcome to Philly, Michael Vick, and watch out

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Dozens of protesters and a stinging newspaper headline greeted Michael Vick(notes) on his first day back in the NFL.

It could’ve been worse. This is Philadelphia.

Vick picked a tough place for a second chance. The City of Brotherly Love is known more for its nastiness than a forgiving nature.

But Vick wants to play here, anyway.

“I know everybody is asking, ‘Why Philadelphia?”’ a somber Vick said Friday, a day after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. “First off, I think it is one of the flagship organizations—great tradition, great staff, great organization, winning team. I just want to be a part of that great tradition and give this team every opportunity to win a Super Bowl.”

A three-time Pro Bowl pick during six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick served 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring and was reinstated just last month by the NFL after being out of action since 2006.

“I think everybody deserves a second chance,” Vick said. “I think as long as you are willing to come back and do it the right way and do the right things and that you’re committed, then I think you deserve it. But you only get one shot at a second chance, and I am conscious of that.”

The former star said he wanted to play for a team with strong ownership, a solid coaching staff and an established starting quarterback. He signed a one-year deal for $1.6 million with a team option for a second year at $5.2 million. None of the money is guaranteed, so the Eagles face no financial risk if Vick doesn’t make the cut.

Dressed in a gray, pinstriped suit, Vick called his offenses “a horrible mistake” and vowed to crusade for animal rights.

“I want to be part of the solution and not the problem,” Vick said during a half-hour news conference. “I am making conscious efforts within the community, working with the Humane Society. Hopefully I can do that locally and continue with my disciplined efforts in bringing awareness to animal cruelty and dogfighting in the inner cities and our communities.”

Eagles coach Andy Reid and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, a mentor to Vick, sat with him and answered questions from more than 100 members of the media.

Reid insisted he did his homework on Vick. Giving second chances is something Reid knows all about: He endured a family crisis in 2007, when his sons were arrested on drug charges.

“I know some people will not agree” with the decision, Reid said, “but on the other hand I think the majority will. Fortunately, in this country, if we handle ourselves properly, we are given an opportunity for second chances. I think people understand.”

Reid clearly had to convince owner Jeffrey Lurie that Vick deserved an opportunity with an organization with little patience for players who cause trouble. Terrell Owens(notes) helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in 2004 but got kicked off the team midway through the next season after criticizing management and feuding with quarterback Donovan McNabb(notes).

Lurie called Vick’s actions “horrific” and “despicable.” He said he did serious “soul-searching” and spent several hours talking to Vick before agreeing to the deal.

“After multiple conversations, I felt more open to giving a human being a second chance, who possibly could become a socially active NFL player who actually could do great things off the field,” Lurie said.

McNabb, for his part, said he lobbied for Vick, even though he plays the same position. The two have been friends for years. McNabb has led the Eagles to the NFC championship game five times and one Super Bowl appearance in the last eight years.

The 29-year-old Vick said he is content playing any role on offense.

“Whatever Coach Reid decides on, that’s what I will do,” Vick said. “I’m just here to contribute and help win a Super Bowl.”

It is unclear when Vick will be allowed to play in a regular-season game. NFL 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, beginning with the Eagles’ home game against Jacksonville on Aug. 27.

He will not be allowed to participate in regular-season games until Goodell gives the OK. The commissioner said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 of the season, Oct. 18-19.

“I have said several times in recent weeks that I want Michael to be one of the NFL’s success stories as an individual and as a football player,” Goodell said.

In coming to Philadelphia, Vick chose a city with a reputation for boorish fan behavior and pitiless sports talk radio.

“He doesn’t stand a chance here,” said Alfred Snolten, a longtime fan. “He would’ve been better off somewhere else.”

Angry fans brought dogs and waited outside the team’s practice facility, carrying signs and banners to display their outrage.

“How could they sign Michael Vick?” said Mark Pascetta of Ridley Township. “They are supposed to be a character team. We don’t need him.”

The Philadelphia Daily News blasted the team’s decision in headlines for Friday’s edition, with a front-page headline blaring “Hide Your Dogs” and “What Are They Thinking?” on the back.

Vick said he knows he might never be forgiven by some people.

“But our country is a country of second chances,” he said. “I paid my debt to society. I spent two years in prison. … That was a humbling experience. I can’t explain how deeply hurt and how sorry I was.”

Some fans have already shown their support, hoping he can help the Eagles finally win their first Super Bowl. One guy used electrical tape to put Vick’s name and No. 7 on a T-shirt and stood out among the protesters.

“He did his time,” said Oscar Alvarado of Camden, N.J.