Host: At the podium now is Michael Vick, you may direct your
questions to him.
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe: Michael, can you talk about the
feelings you have knowing your return to the NFL has been a success?
Vick: It’s still hard to put into words, hasn’t really sunk
in yet. I knew even from last year’s playoff loss to Green Bay we had a good
thing going, had some good pieces but just came up a little short. Management
did a great job of going out and making the adjustments to make our team a
winner.
Bill Plascke, L.A. Times: Michael, congratulations being
named Super Bowl MVP. What do you think were the specific differences between
last year’s team and this year’s?
Vick: One, I think that having our core group of guys
together for a few years now, that has a lot to do with it. Most of our guys
are young, perhaps not even in their prime, so with each passing game and
season, we have grown. As I mentioned before, the players we acquired, and I
can't say enough about our defense. Guys like Nnamdi (Asomugha), DRC (Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie) Cullen (Jenkins) and Jason (Babin). Right away in camp they
showed they were here for the right reasons, ready to do whatever it takes to
win. Then of course the guys who have been here a few years, specifically Trent
(Cole) and Asante (Samuel), they were our leaders, solid veterans who stepped
up week in and week out. They have been tremendous.
Woody Page, Denver Post: Michael, you just played a great
game against a very solid Pittsburgh (Steelers) defense, talk about the game
plan.
Vick: Coach (Andy) Reid and Coach (Marty) Mornhinweg had a
great plan in place to minimize what the Steelers do best. We watched film and
saw first-hand just how talented and great this team and organization is. We
saw in the films we might be able to be successful with a lot of three step
drops and short passes to combat their blitz. We thought anything down field
might give their pass rush extra time to pressure myself. Plus, trying to find
out where Troy (Polamalu) is at all times, again the short passes kept him at
bay and maybe a step late.
Jay Mariotti, Chicago Tribune: Michael, you mentioned Coach
Reid. Talk about a little about what he has meant with your road back and talk
about others who have been instrumental along the way.
Vick: Coach Reid has meant everything. From giving me a
chance, to working with my mechanics and footwork, he has taught me to stay in
the pocket more and read defenses better. I think he sometimes doesn’t get the
credit he deserves. Also, Coach (Tony) Dungy has been a great role model and
mentor. He showed me how to look at situations and prevent myself from getting
into situations that may not be the best. I owe him so much. Mr. (Jeffrey) Lurie,
I want to thank him and his staff for taking a chance on me. I have tried my
best to make sure he didn’t regret it. I don’t know how many teams entertained
the thought of me on their respective rosters, but Mr. Lurie gave me a shot and
for that I am so thankful
Rachel Nichols, ESPN: Michael, you mentioned the guys on
defense making an impact. Can you specify some of the guys on the offensive
side of the ball who helped make tonight’s win and this season a magical one?
Vick: Well, you all have seen what DeSean (Jackson) can do.
He is an amazing talent. And it didn’t take him much time to get in game shape.
Not too many people know this but he sought out Jerry Rice before his rookie
season and began working out with him. That should tell you how much he wants
to win and be the best he can be. LeSean (McCoy) and Jeremy (Maclin) are still
so young, yet they have already made huge strides in this offense and are only
going to get better. They make my job so much easier. And of course the guys up
front, not needing to tuck and run as much this season, they gave me the
protection I needed to get rid of the ball. The line has the continuity as a
unit that you need and you can see over the past few years, they have improved
day in and day out. Even when Vince (Young) had to step in for a couple weeks
earlier this year while I was recovering from the ankle injury, Vince did a
great job and the line didn’t miss a beat. I love playing behind them.
Dan LeBatard, Miami Herald: Michael, was their ever a time
when you thought the road back was too tough, perhaps thinking no teams would
reach out or that you may be a back up for the rest of your career?
Vick: There were good days and not so good days to say the
least. I knew I still had the talent to play in the league, knew that I could
still play the position. Donovan (McNabb) was the first from the Eagles to
lobby to bring me into camp a few years ago. I thought I might be a back-up
long term and I was ok with it. He and I have spoken often, he sent me a text
last night saying to enjoy the moment and make sure you leave it all out there
tonight. He said you may only get one crack at the Super Bowl, so make it worthwhile.
Pam Oliver, Fox Sports: Michael, when you were making your
comeback, you came across PETA and other organizations who wanted you to never
be allowed out of prison, let alone back in to the NFL. What have you done or
are you doing currently that helps raise awareness of dog fighting and cruelty
towards animals?
Vick: Well, I’ve helped enact the Animal Fighting Spectator
Prohibition Act, which establishes federal misdemeanor penalties against
convicted spectators of illegal animal fighting and make it a felony for adults
to bring children to fights. I’ve spoke at engagements and schools around the
country to tell them about the road I was on and how I thought I was just doing
what many other people were doing. I forgot that I am a role model. Regardless
of what I think, my playing professional football gives me that status and that
is one of the things I realize more these days. Going to D.C., speaking with
Congress, I’m just trying to do things better so I can make a difference on and
off the field. I don’t think I could have said that a few years ago
Host: Last question please
Rick Reilly, ESPN: Michael, is there anything you want to
say to the people out there and give them your little story of how you got to
this point?
Vick: Since my days at Virginia Tech, especially when we
lost to a great (Florida State) Seminole team in the (BCS) title game, I really
haven’t forgotten that feeling, walking off the field knowing we were second
best. I knew I could play at the next level but I really didn’t know what came
with being an NFL quarterback. I truly admire how Peyton Manning and Tom Brady
and Drew Brees have conducted themselves. Their resumes stand on their own. I
wasn’t ready for it all. Even when the teams in Atlanta would make playoff
runs, looking back I wasn’t doing all I could do to prepare and help the team
win and that has been documented. That’s what this Eagles organization has
instilled in me. Doing the right things, preparing and game planning for each
team as if it were the Super Bowl each week. I want to thank my family for
sticking by me and supporting me. And lastly, I’m going to Disneyworld and the
first thing I do when I get there is take a picture with Pluto.
I'm sorry, good athlete or not, this guy is a dog killer. And an aggressive brutal dog killer at that. I will NEVER (yes, I yelled that) see past his cruelty to animals.
ReplyDeletePam Oliver, Fox Sports: Hi Mrs. Roy, what would you say to those people who claim that Vick has paid his debt to society?
ReplyDelete