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Monday, August 1, 2011

I'm Going to Disneyworld

Host: Thanks DeSean. We have Michael Vick up next.
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.

2 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pam Oliver, Fox Sports: Hi Mrs. Roy, what would you say to those people who claim that Vick has paid his debt to society?

    ReplyDelete