Vick Talks Peyton, TOs, Dogfighting
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick traveled to Simon Gratz High Friday to unveil a new Humane Society Public Service Announcement, along with Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle.
Vick Talks Peyton, TOs, Dogfighting
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick traveled to Simon Gratz High Friday to unveil a new Humane Society Public Service Announcement, along with Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle.
Of course, when Vick met with reporters after his speech and question-and-answer session with students, the questions eventually veered toward the Eagles.
Vick was asked about the fact that the Eagles apparently looked into the availability of Peyton Manning, before Manning signed with the Broncos.
"I don't know how true it is, and I don't care," Vick said. "I feel no threat within my position. You can bring in the best quarterback around, and I'm going to play my best. I'm one of the best."
Eagles coach Andy Reid's remarks this week at the NFL Meetings in Florida underscored how, regardless of what the team does this offseason, Reid and many others believe the key to success in 2012 will be a healthy Vick, who does not miss three games, and who does not try to do too much, throwing 14 interceptions, as he did in 2011.
"I took responsibility for my turnovers and what I need to do, but it's everybody. it's football, man. we've got to be in the moment," Vick said. He seems weary of the topic, but he also seems to view it less critically than Reid or offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, which is one reason Vick keeps being asked about it.
Vick left Gratz just before news broke about left tackle Jason Peters' torn Achilles' tendon.
Though reporters were mainly interested in talking about the Eagles, it is hard to cover a Vick appearance, particularly to a North Philly audience, and avoid discussing the central topic. Vick took the stage to a shrieking, boisterous ovation. He talked, as he usually does, about making wrong choices and about the need to take responsbility for those choices, and to try to make amends. He said he had been told that Gratz was a place where people were trying to come back from adversity, just as he did.
Though the students who came to the microphone to ask questions were supportive, they also asked tough, fairly blunt questions about the specifics of how Vick ended up in prison for dogfighting.
One student asked Vick why he ever got involved, why anyone would do such a thing.
Vick said that growing up, he saw older guys doing it and "it looked cool."
"They did a great job," Vick said afterward. "This might have been the best crowd ever. I'm very proud of them, that I got to do something special for 'em."
allworld. I just asked a simple question. Which part of dog fighting did Vick think was cooler? The fighting or the killing? Thats all! Please stop putting words into peoples mouths. Thank you!— Geno D- @Geno D. Vick made a mistake years ago, paid the price for it, rehabilitated himself and has went on to become a productive athlete and citizen. Your ancestors liked slavery and ordering dogs to attack innocent women, children and babies but you never post dumb statements about that. Vick missed all or part of five games last year and you hate him. Peyton Manning missed 16 games and you love him. How biased can you be? True Eagle fans support Michael Vick and all of his teammates. Everybody with eyes can see when an alleged Klansman is masquerading as a football fan! Go Eagles! We love you Michael Vick!— allworld2
- How come YOU people never throw any blame on slavery on the African Cheifs who threw their own people under the bus? — Wave1
- I don't know why you're getting mad at me Charmaine, Vick's the one who said it looked cool. I just wanted to know which part of dog fighting he liked the best. The fighting or the killing? Or maybe for him, they were both enjoyable to watch.— Geno D
- Man Vick is the reason i watch football the way I do!!! I think he's the best QB ever to play the game u can't tell me manning or Brady is better they don't even hold a candle to the talent he has! That being said this is his last year no more excuses he has to prove it to everybody i just want him to lay it all out there and give everything he got this year and he he do I promise they will win the superbowl if they don't then maybe I am wrong about him. We will see!!!! Let's go Vick!!!! Get it done!!!!— shaad
- Just wandering Mike ,did it "look cool" watching the dogs fighting or did it "look cool" watching them being killed after the fight? .......I'm a little confused here!........LOSER!!— Geno D
- Its obvious that you are confused with each and every comment that you make. But getting back to the dogs, who cares, if you want to know whether it was cool or not, why not trot down to one on your local negihborhoods and see for yourself, there's enough dogfighting going on right there in Philly, you shouldn't have a problem finding one. Oh and btw, if you were all that concerned you would be in those areas protesting dogfighters, not sitting on the internet whining about something that happened 10 years ago, that's what LOSERS do, but then you are a LOSER so I guess you fit right in. — charmaine
- Hey Charmaine,VICK is playin-you just like he's playin the white liberal press,as soon as he's done milkin the NFL he's headed back to dog fighting and the slam,GOOD RIDDANCE AHOLE. — Wave1
- Is this a team game or a one man game, just curious as to why everythings rests on the shoulder of one man, shouldn't it rest on the shoulders of the entire team?? Just wondering.— charmaine
- GO MIKE VICK GO!!!— Panthro2011
- Wish he would've said, like Andy said, "I have been watching a lot of film to correct those mistakes, and look forward to the opportunity to correct those mistakes." Everything rests on YOUR shoulders 7!— sec719
- You know Vick just LOVES appearing at Gratz for a Human Society Service announcement! Highlight of his week I'm sure— HAROLD Eskin
- Just curious how many appearances have you made for any animal shelter?____________________that's what I thought — charmaine
- I admit it. I am mediocre.— tommy_the_k
- I admit it. I am mediocre.— tommy_the_k
- Another player from an 8-8 team lacking humility.— billro33
