Vick on his future with the Eagles: "I got a lot left in my tank"
Michael Vick spoke publicly for the first time since his concussion on Nov. 11, the first time since there were reports that he believed that inter-team politics played a role in his return from injury, and the first time since he was benched in favor of Nick Foles.
Vick on his future with the Eagles: "I got a lot left in my tank"
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Michael Vick spoke publicly for the first time since his concussion on Nov. 11, the first time since there were reports that he believed that inter-team politics played a role in his return from injury, and the first time since he was benched in favor of Nick Foles.
Vick's future with the Eagles beyond the end of this season remains in doubt. Asked if he wanted to stay in Philadelphia and whether he would be open to returning as a backup, Vick said that he hadn't thought that far ahead.
"I just feel like I got a lot of football to play," Vick said. "I feel like I got a lot left in my tank. I'm enjoying the game. I feel fresh. I don't know. I got to talk it over with my agent and just see what happens. As of right now I got to continue to help this football team win these last two games and the future will take care of itself."
Vick, 32, has three years left on his contract, but the Eagles are only committed to paying $3 million of his $16 million salary for 2013. The team can back out of the guaranteed $3 million if they cut Vick three days after the Super Bowl on Feb. 3.
Andy Reid has yet to announce whether Vick would be Foles' backup or the No. 3 quarterback behind Trent Edwards, although indications are that he will be at the bottom of the depth chart. Vick returned to practice and was cleared by an independent neurologist last week. He said he took repetitions with the scout team at today's practice.
"It's different, but that's just the way things are right now and I have to roll with the punches and deal with it, make the most out of it, continue to work hard and continue to try and get better, continue to try and help Nick out," Vick said.
Vick was asked if he agreed with Reid's decision, one he announced on Dec. 3, to go with Foles as the starter for the rest of the season.
"I'm a competitor and I've always felt like and will continue to feel like I'm one of the best and I can play at a high level and I know I can," Vick said.
Vick said that he didn't believe not playing would affect his future whether with the Eagles or some other team. He missed five games because of the concussion. Earlier this month there was an ESPN report, citing a source close to Vick, that stated the quarterback thought that he was a victim of politics as the Eagles had decided to go with the rookie.
Vick was asked if he was on board with how the team handled his concussion.
"I just roll with the punches," Vick said. "Whatever the doc tells me I go with. I don't question that. They're professionals just like we're professionals at what we do. I respect their opinions and their judgment. That's just the way it was."
Vick suffered his second concussion with the Eagles against the Cowboys. The first occurred last September in Atlanta. He confirmed that the injury came on his second to last play when he was tackled from behind during a scramble. Vick was hit on the next play by Cowboys linebacker Ernie Sims and the back of his helmet hit the ground. He said that exacerbated the head injury.
Vick was asked if he regretted not leaving after the first hit.
"When I'm out there I'm going for the kill. If I'm not laying there and can't get up, then I'm going to get up that next play and give it everything I got," Vick said. "That's just me and maybe sometimes that can be sort of selfish. I only know one way. When I got hit the second time, I was like I got to come out. I couldn't see."
Biggest Scapegoat in Philadephia Eagles history...— Eaglemaniacle- Nah. — rayjay
- Gotta give it up for Vick this year - he's been tough as nails most of the season and hasn't complained one lick. Even now that he's lost his starting job. He's not a good QB anymore, but he's been a good teammate.— Fascism Rules
- Definitely left in on the field. No complaints from me.— tpizza
- DUMP VICK...Vick was an awful 11-17 the past three years...Vick is now an old washed-up 33 year old who has lost his speed....maybe Vick can try to be a back-up QB for Buffalo.— jim35
- You already said that on another blog. Got anything new? — Claire Voyant
- your an idiot....wait...a complete and utter idiot...you put the blame on Vick? LMAO...some great offensive line we have numb nut.....I wonder what Brady could do with our offensive line...wait I've got an answer.....get injured much faster than Vick did and be out with three concussions.....Ive seen high school offensive lines better than the eagles....Reid should go-not Vick...and you should get some common sense before commenting on this board buddy — PTDTax
- Scapegoat?
If Vick had the Patriots O line he would still check receiver 1 then receiver 2 then scramble.
I think Vick is playing this like a politician. The less he says the more it falls on Reid (making Vick look like a good player on a bad team).
If he goes to any other team in 2013 he will still be running his chuck and duck, playground style.— 1000hugs - Vick is biggest $100 million BUST in Eagles history...period.— jim35
- I didn't like him as a QB at VA Tech. I still don't like him as a QB. Move on Eagles.
- He's got a lot of FUMBLES and INT's left in the tank.— 14 years of
- Was never good.— Sidewinder7
- LMAO im sure you were saying the sameeeee exact thing after he stole McNabb's job.......anyone ever tell you how classy you are? Short short memory spans in Philly huh? — PTDTax
- INTs?— 2ndNlong
- Just go away, Vick. The four years you were here we did squat.— dasher
