McNabb: Vick will get "standing ovation"
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
McNabb: Vick will get "standing ovation"
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Michael Vick returns to Atlanta. Will the town burn?
Donovan McNabb doesn't think so.
"I believe he'll get a standing ovation," the Eagles quarterback said.
Vick said that he thinks the reaction at the Georgia Dome, the stadium he once called home for seven seasons, will be split evenly, "50-50."
McNabb and Eagles coach Andy Reid were more optimistic.
"For six years or so he was the face of their franchise and a guy that's led them to an NFC championship and multiple playoffs appearences," McNabb said. "The people in the community love him. Those are things that you don't forget."
McNabb then said something that could echo his relationship with Philadelphia fans.
"Sometimes they don't really miss you till you're gone," he said.
McNabb said he hadn't talked to Vick specifically about his return to Atlanta to play his former team.
"I don't want it to be his focus in this situation," McNabb said. "He's handled it well in terms in kind of doing whatever it takes to help us win. He's a Philadelphia Eagle now. He's not an Atlanta Falcon. In this situation he just wants to win. That's his mindset."
Atlanta is hosting the SEC championship game Saturday night between Florida and Alabama. Reid is preparing for a raucous town.
"There are going to be a lot of people in Atlanta," Reid said. "I don't think people dislike Michael in Atlanta. He sure gave them a lot of good years and a lot of exciting football. I think Michael's prepared mentally to go back there. Physically, he's in good shape. I don't think it'll be a problem. It won't be a distraction to our team. Our guys have rallied around Michael. They like him as a person and they know what kind of person he is."
McNabb was asked he if thought the Eagles would involve Vick more into the game plan as a way of showcasing the quarterback.
"He may have 20-30 plays," McNabb joked.
A reporter deadpanned: "You OK with that?"
Laughter.
"Here we go again," McNabb said.
Vick is nothing but a felon and thug that can play football, what a classless bunch of thugs professional football has become.— JustJudy- jrome7004 go vick justjudy is a hater— jrome7004
Comment removed.- JustJudy and Lonewolf 10 have either of you ever screwed up bigtime? What he did was absolutely appalling I love dogs, cats and all animals so I can't in anyway condone what he did. However we've all sinned and screwed up somewhere down the line should we all be condemned forever. Don't be haters. Let him play football and do whatever he can now to raise awareness of cruel treatment to animals however he can or is willing to.— The Manager
- Can they leave him there?— phillyfan412
- Standing ovation for what-killing and torturng dogs, stealing money from the Falcons, lying to Arthur Blank, ruining the Falcons and causing Petrino? Fredo McNabb should keep his mouth shut as he keeps bounce passing passes to recievers and not winning the big game.— Dr. Michael
- I am sure the fans will be howling.— chops10
- I am so tired of hearing McNabb talk---eleven years of the pontifications----he should only talk immediately after the game and then after losses!— Romus
- Eventually people will realize that athletes are people too and they do the same dumb mistakes that all of us do. I wish people who write so many negative things would read the bible every now and then because even if you don't believe in it's text it still contains great life lessons. Everybody can tell others how to live their life but don't follow suit. I knew a female major who use to cheat on her husband while overseas and a police chief here in the states that threw parties with alcohol to underage kids at his house. These are people with leadership positions that were very critical of others yet they had their own transgressions. Something tells me that those who post negative post on here fall within the same realm.— Nothing but the truth
- He will be well received....the sad truth is the Eagles brought him here and refuse to use him...one or two plays a game does him a disservice......what was the point.....— nuggett
- Comment removed.
- be careful how you judge...i feel sorry for what may come!!!!— truesportsfan
- Any Atlanta fan that would cheer for a dog killer is pathetic. If I was a fan and lived in Atlanta, I would turn my back to Vick everytime he was on the field. He deserves to be cleaning muck out of dog kennels.— dogmom32404
- A thread full of Self Righteous racists...what a charming combination!— hope55
- hope55 knows the race of people who post on here. hey does this shirt make me look fat?— finalsay665
