Diner Morning News: Vick's Challenges

National Football Post

QUOTE: “Opportunity seems to have an uncanny habit of favoring those who have paid the price of years of preparation.” -- Unknown

APMichael Vick

Michael Vick now Eagles.html" target="_blank">has a new team. Watching Eagles coach Andy Reid talk about it last night after the Patriots game (with Tom Brady looking like he hasn’t missed a step), he had a glow. It was a glow that implied to me that Reid respects Vick as a player, respects the quarterbacking skills he once displayed and, most important, respects the right to give someone a second chance. Reid was compassionate in his words and his body language.

Michael Vick is an Eagle, in large part because of what the Reid family has been through the past two years with their sons. He understands that mistakes happen and that second chances are a way of life in America. Vick is an Eagle because Reid can see a role for him on the team, this year and next year, and can visualize things for him to do at quarterback that very few are capable of doing. Vick is an Eagle because of his relationship with Donavan McNabb and because of McNabb’s ability to handle the situation. McNabb is tough and doesn’t let things bother him, but this signing has the potential to be a disaster for him. We all know the backup quarterback is the favorite of the fans, especially in Philadelphia.

What lies ahead for Vick? The opportunity to NFL-reinstates-Michael-Vick.html" target="_blank">rebuild his career — one day at a time. Reid and the Eagles enter this relationship with their eyes wide open on three fronts. They know the signing must work on several levels: Vick as a player, Vick and public relations, and Vick as a citizen of Philadelphia.

Vick the player will take some time, but he knows the system in Philadelphia from his time in Atlanta, so learning the Eagles’ offense won’t be difficult. He and McNabb are similar in ability — neither is a conventional west coast quarterback, neither is accurate all the time, but both make plays that win games. So Reid has been involved with a player who brings unconventional elements to the West Coast offense and who knows how to utilize his skill level in the offense. Vick may not be a very good player this season, but he may be a playmaker for the Eagles offense.

The public relations battle will be difficult, but it’s helped by the fact the Eagles have an active owner in Jeffrey Lurie – someone who doesn’t just show up to work but one who works. Lurie works in the community, he works with passion with regard to player personnel, and he works to protect the Eagles brand. He loves to talk personnel, which is not to imply that he dictates personnel, but he is always thinking about ways to improve the team and asks questions all the time. He will be involved along with team president Joe Banner to make the public relations battle as smooth as possible.

Vick as a citizen will never win over certain members of Eagles fan base, but for the most part, Eagles fans love their players and love their team – and they may embrace Vick if he produces on the field and behaves off the field. This will be the hardest challenge he’ll face, not that he’ll get in trouble but that trouble might come looking for him. He needs to focus on football, his career and demonstrating his remorse to the fans and public.

APTony Dungy

Today will be the first day Vick is going to face the media when he answers questions in a press conference. It will be interesting to see how he deals with the tough questions, but he has Tony Dungy by his side and now an entire organization that seems excited to have him. Vick will not be able to get his career back on track alone, but Commissioner Roger Goodell knew this, which is why he put tools in place to allow him the best chance to succeed.

Things were interesting in Philadelphia before yesterday, but today they’re even more interesting. I’m headed to the press conference and will be on NFL Network to cover this event.

And I’ll have much more to say in Sunday at the Post. Join me there.

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