FROM PRISON TO PHILADELPHIA: VICK RETURNS TO NFL

Michael Vick has found a new home.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, less than three months after being released from prison. He plans to make $1.6 million dollars, and has a $5.2 million option for a second season. He will back up Donovan McNabb, who led the Eagles to a berth in the NFC Championship Game last January. Many wondered if Vick would end up in the NFL this season. Now that question has been answered.

Vick broke into the league in 2001, playing in eight games for the Falcons. He was awarded the Falcons starting quarterback job in 2002, rushing for an impressive 777 yards and 8 touchdowns. Even though he might not have been the most talented passer in the league, his ability to run the ball made up for that. He led the Falcons to an upset playoff win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau field during the 2003 season and from 2004-2006, the former Virginia Tech star ran for a total of 2,538 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was arguably the most talented player in the NFL. He had everything going for him, until he was busted for being involved in a dog fighting ring and sentenced to jail for 23 months. He has served his time and is ready for the NFL once again as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Some teams were probably afraid to sign Vick, because it might attract negative attention. However, this is a good signing by the Eagles. McNabb and Vick is a great 1-2 punch in a league where you can never have enough talent at the quarterback position. With the college-style Wildcat offense that has become more popular in the NFL, adding Vick might mean more trick plays for Andy Reid's squad. As long as Vick can get himself into shape, I can't see how this doesn't help the Eagles in some way. Yes, there might be many people who protest this deal based on what the man did, which no one can argue was inexcusable. However, fans of the Eagles should be happy about this signing if they are worried more about the product on the field. People will have their opinions on the addition of Vick, but for now, he has a second chance with the team from the City of Brotherly Love.

Speaking of love, how much of it will the fans of Philadelphia show for their new second-string quarterback? We will soon find out.

Shawn Marosek