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Vick debuts to standing ovation

The Associated Press
By The Associated Press
3 Min Read Aug. 28, 2009 | 17 years Ago
| Friday, August 28, 2009 12:00 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA — All eyes were on Michael Vick — for all of six plays.

Playing his first NFL game since his release from prison, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback got a standing ovation, avoided any ugly protests and completed four passes for 19 yards.

“It’s been a long journey for me,” Vick said. “I just want to do it right this time around.”

Though his minutes were limited Thursday night, Vick was ready to take on any assignment. He played quarterback, ran the wildcat formation, even lined up at wide receiver and completed a pass right-handed.

The Eagles even won the game, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 33-32, on David Akers’ 34-yard field goal in the final minute.

Vick’s return overshadowed a somewhat sloppy effort by an Eagles team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

It was Vick and only Vick who captured fans’ attention — whether he was on the field, on the sideline or sitting on the bench.

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid didn’t wait long to use him. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback jogged onto the field for the second play from scrimmage, lining up as a wide receiver, and he got a hearty welcome from the notoriously tough Philly fans.

“When I was running out onto the field, I was listening to see what the reaction was going to be,” Vick said. “I was very pleased. I really didn’t expect that reaction, but I was very thankful.”

So much for all those protesters and anti-Vick factions. He entered to a standing ovation from the crowd in a half-empty stadium. Later, some chanted “We want Vick!” after he left the game.

He was on the field for six plays — all in the opening 18 minutes. The results were so-so.

He completed all four of his passes for 19 yards, ran for 1 yard and lined up in the slot for one play.

“I just want to help this football team win, whatever I have to do,” Vick said. “I just want to be able to make plays and say that I contributed. … I want to sit back and learn as much as I can and polish my skills as a quarterback.”

Vick acknowledged he’s still working on his fitness, saying he was at about 70 percent.

“Once I get myself into tip-top shape, the sky’s the limit,” he said. “When I was younger, I did it all. I can do it all now. Down the road, I’ll be back at the quarterback position full time. As of right now, I have to do what I can to win.”

Vick hadn’t played in an NFL game since Dec. 31, 2006, with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released from federal custody July 20 after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in running a dogfighting ring.

Though he showed little emotion at first, Vick loosened up as the game wore on and even flashed an occasional smile.

Earlier in the day, Vick’s plan to repay more than $20 million he owes to creditors was approved by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro. He had rejected a plan brought forward several months ago by Vick’s attorneys, but endorsed this new proposal that was smoothed over by Vick’s return to football.

During the hearing, Vick testified that he expected to make a minimum of $5 million annually during the next several years.

Under the plan, Vick will pay creditors on a sliding scale based on his future income. He gets to keep everything below $750,000, and will pay 25 percent of any income between $750,001 and $2.5 million. He’ll pay 30 percent of his income between $2.5 million and $10 million, and 40 percent of anything above $10 million.

Vick will be able to keep his home in Hampton, a 2008 Infinity truck, two retirement accounts and personal effects. Most everything else will be liquidated. That includes four other homes — one outside Atlanta, two in Suffolk and one in James City. It also includes several other cars and boats.


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