McNabb says apology was 'from the heart'

Ashburn, VA -- Donovan McNabb's apology to Eagles fans for failing to win a Super Bowl was "from the heart" he said Wednesday.

"I think people at times tend to forget how passionate a player may be, when you put all that you have into it and you're not able to bring that prize . . . you worked hard to get to a city that truly loves what you do and how you go about it," McNabb explained to Washington reporters in his first meeting with them since apologizing to Philadelphia fans during an interview on 97.5 FM The Fanatic. He said the thoughts were "from the heart."

"Hopefully people take it to heart. If they didn't, there's nothing much more I can do," McNabb said after the third of three days of Redskins' off-season team activities.

It will still be months before McNabb takes a meaningful snap for the Redskins, but in a city that has struggled for a decade to find a steady leader, the former Eagle is receiving a welcome reception. A TV reporter led into a question by saying that if a quarterback took the Redskins to five NFC championship games in 11 years, "they'd build the guy a statute." Asked if he felt bitter towards Philadelphia, McNabb quickly said "no."

The criticism he sometimes faced with the Eagles didn't necessarily reflect the majority of fans, McNabb said.

"I think a lot of times people get caught up in publications and think that's how everyone feels," McNabb said. "There are a lot of people who were appreciative of what I was able to do and how I went about it. Not only that, but just the type of person I tried to display."

He added, "so I don't get caught up in what one or two or three people may say or how they may want to express themselves, but there are a lot more people who are appreciative of the things we were able to accomplish together."

McNabb said he had not spoken to former Eagle Brian Westbrook about joining him in Washington.

"It seems like every time I know someone I'm encouraging them to come here," McNabb said with a laugh, referencing earlier rumors that he also encouraged Terrell Owens to come to the Redskins.

He said he is still trying to get himself settled into the new team.

"I don't make decisions. I think a lot of times people think quarterbacks make the decision on the team, but I don't know what their plans are."

Head coach Mike Shanahan said the Redskins are "still talking to Brian."

"He's under consideration. He's looking at his options," Shanahan said.