Michael Vick returns to football with mixed reviews

Convicted animal abuser Michael Vick returned to pro football last night as his new team, the Philadelphia Eagles, played their first preseason game. Although Vick is suspended for the first few regular-season games, he is allowed to participate in preseason games as they are considered exhibition games.  Pro- and anti-Vick Eagles fans attended the game at Lincoln Financial Field, some of whom carried signs of support or protest.

Although Vick only was on the field for six plays, his presence was notable because he took a few snaps at quarterback, lined up as a wide receiver, and the southpaw even threw a pass right-handed. Vick completed all of his passes to the delight of the fans, his coach and his teammates. 

But how about the infamously critical Philly fans who even once booed Santa Claus at an Eagles game? The Associated Press reported that they were supportive of Vick from the beginning.

Philadelphia Coach Andy Reid didn't wait long to use Vick. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback jogged onto the field for the second play from scrimmage, lining up as a wide receiver, and got a hearty welcome from the notoriously tough Philadelphia 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."

Photos from sign-toting fans after the jump.

Vick fans hold up signs during the game.  (Credit: Mel Evans / Associated Press)

A fan holds up a sign reading "#7 Welcome home Vick!" during the fourth quarter.  (Credit: Howard Smith / US Presswire)

Philadelphia Eagles season-ticket holder Clarissa Sherrow of Nottingham, Pa., carries a sign before the game. Sherrow said she wanted to make sure Vick -- who has pledged to fight animal cruelty --  lives up to his promises. "I'm not protesting; I'm a true Eagles fan," Sherrow said. (Credit: Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

A fan holds up a sign during the second quarter.  (Credit: Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Steve Miller, from Columbia, Pa., altered his Eagles jersey to reflect his views about his team's new backup quarterback. (Credit: Rob Kandel / The Morning Call)

Before the game, fans display a flag against Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie in response to signing Michael Vick. (Credit: Rob Kandel / The Morning Call)

Fan Joseph Simmons sells T-shirts supporting Vick outside Lincoln Financial Field before the game. (Credit: Christopher Barth / European Pressphoto Agency)

-- Tony Pierce

Top photo: Anti-Vick protesters hold a sign outside Lincoln Financial Field before the game. Credit: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

Comments

[LaNora Boyd]

Well, there are really lots of peopoe that do not care for dogs or the nature of the people they love. I can not beleive that anyone, Christain or not, that could want to see a dog killer on the football field. This shows that people are like they we when Christains were fed to the lions. I love dogs and other animals as much as I do humans. They can not protect themself for people like Vick. The National Football League is only interested in the financial part and not the humane part. I will never watch another NFL game again.

[Pamela Harp Gentry]

It is disgusting that Vick was reinstated in the NFL. Demented humans with no regard for sentient beings should never be allowed to "pick up where they left off" which is exactly what Vick is doing. Once a great fan of the NFL, my family and I will not watch or support the NFL anymore. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

[Maggie Corchnoy]

How utterly disgusting that there are people who think it's a good idea to allow a man who killed & brutalized dogs to getout of jail & waltz right back into the NFL limelight, with a multi-million dollar contract in hand. Philadelphia may be the "City of Brotherly Love", but it's also apparently the City With No Conscience.

[tony austin]

micheal vick was the highest paid athelete in football. he made more money than peyton manning and tom brady put together and they won superbowls. when he was convicted, he lost everything. he served his time and he ruined his name forever. you can't change the thoughts of people remembering him from dog cruelty. he should play football.

[helen Harvey]

Vick is a sociopath. He has no conscience. I hope the Eagles lose every game. How could any decent person cheer for this torturer, killer, of living helpless creatures. Dogs do so much more for society than the average person.

[Andrew Griffin]

First off I don't like football or mike vick. However I don't dislike Vick because I don't have a reason to.. I like some dogs and I think what he did wasn't the best behavior. Plain and simple Vick has paid his debt to society for his crime.. and he doesn't anybody anything except his family...Most people are so quick to judge a person as if they never did anything wrong in there life... My a lot of the people protesting Vick don't belong to Peta nor are they vegetarians but they eat hamburger, chicken, hotdogs, lamb, duck, salmon, etc. what is worse vick killing animals for fun or you killing animals for fun...atleast he served time for his acts. what did you do... bottom line people need to get a grip because vick is not taking food off their table so stop trying to take food off his...