Vick warns students about dogfighting

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick spoke humble words of determination and focus to a group of students in Philadelphia today as part of his work with the Humane Society and its End Dogfighting campaign.

At Imhotep Charter School in West Oak Lane, No. 7 was greeted by cheers as he strode into the gymnasium followed by a battery of student drummers.

Vick said that as a teen he worked hard both on the field and in the classroom. He reached his goal of becoming a number one draft pick in the NFL and a top quarterback, but then lost everything after getting "involved in something I never should have been involved in."

Vick spent 18 months in prison for dogfighting. After his release, the Eagles signed him as a back up quarterback. Last week, after Vick's impressive play, head coach Andy Reid named him the starter.

"Not everyone gets a second chance – they just don't," said Vick. "But like me, if you mess up and get a second chance, defend it at all costs. Stay focused and stay determined."

At one point during Vick's visit, students were asked if they had ever seen a dog fight. About 80 children, of 300 assembled in the gym, raised their hands.