Michael Vick was back on an NFL practice field for the first time in almost three years since completing his prison sentence. The controversial quarterback took to the gridiron wearing a No. 7 jersey Saturday.
Vick, who was greeted with rants from a half dozen protestors and a sign that read “Hide Your Beagle, Vick’s an Eagle”, lifted weights and ran the scout team offense in the morning practice with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said his experience with the Falcons exposed him to the Eagles offense.
“It’s a matter of the recalls taking place. He knows the fundamentals,” said Reid.
But Reid’s first goal is to make sure Vick, 29, gets into shape. He completed three deep passes of at least 40 yards each, but he took just four snaps against the full defense and completed two passes. He spent most of his time talking to the quarterbacks coach James Urban according to the New York Times.
“Remember, he’s not coming off an injury. Now, he’s not getting any younger either. But once he gets back in shape, I don’t think you’re going to see a person that’s slower, and can’t throw as well. He’s young enough to where he should be O.K. there,” he told the paper.
Vick’s teammates also welcomed the embattled football star.
“Michael Vick is a very talented player. He can do anything from playing receiver to quarter backer he could be a running back, so he could do a lot of things as far as versatility,” said Leonard Weaver, Eagles Fullback.
“I can imagine how he feels stepping out their with his No. 7 jersey on, feeling a part of something,” said Asante Samuel, Eagles Cornerback.
But Vick’s signing to the team is still causing a major divide among fans. Outside the gate, while one man wore a new No. 7 Eagles jersey, others expressed outraged.
“Someone who with there own hands electrocutes and strangles dogs can’t be rehabilitated,” said an Eagles fan.
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 last month by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being out of action since 2006.
He signed a one-year deal with the Eagles on Thursday for $1.6 million with a team option for a second year at $5.2 million.
