Michael Vick press conference part 1

Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles today. Announcing his return to football, he held a press conference. Before Michael Vick spoke, Tony Dungy shared some words.

Tony Dungy: Thank you, Andy.

I appreciate him still referring to me as "coach" even though I'm not coaching anymore. But it is really an honor to be here.

I got involved in this process a couple months ago just by going in and speaking to Mike when he was in Leavenworth. And we talked for a long time about things that had gone on in his life, but we talked more about what he wanted to do in the future, and that is what I was concerned with, and really got the sense that he wanted to do some great things.

He wanted to be a positive role modal for young people, and he wanted to get back to his family. And with that in mind, we kind of made a commitment to stick with each other and continue to talk through things, and continue to bounce things off each other.

Commissioner Goodell found out about that conversation, and when he talked to Mike, he asked if I would come on board on behalf of the league in a formal role, and I agreed to do that. I was happy to do that. I was excited to see what would transpire when he got reinstated.

Several people called me, several coaches, wanted to ask about my dealings with Mike and my thoughts, and Andy was one of them. And we had a long conversation about where I felt Mike was, and I'm just really happy that things turned out this way.

I'm proud of the Philadelphia Eagles. I know they didn't do this as a charity measure. They feel like Mike's going to help their football team and be a weapon for them. But they also stepped out to give a man a second chance, and I think that's important.

I've done a lot of work with inmates and ex-offenders in Tampa for the last 13 years. The last project I was involved with in Indianapolis was getting together with Mayor Greg Ballard there on a re-entry program.

We have roughly 4,000 inmates every year that come back into the city of Indianapolis and Marion County there, and we want some structures some things to make it easier for those young men who made mistakes to come back and be productive. And I think that's what this is all about.

So, I'm proud of the Eagles. I think it's going to work out great.

I told Mike I didn't think he could be with a better organization from my dealings with Andy and Jeffrey Lurie and Joe Banner. I know they're going to have a great support system here in place for him.

And I'm also very proud of Donovan McNabb. You know, he went out of his way to tell Coach Reid, we should make this happen. This guy can help us. But also, he's a friend, and I want to make it good for him.

So, I think you just see a symbol of some great leadership and Christian forgiveness. So, I'm excited for Mike, happy for him, and just want to be helpful in any way possible. I told Andy, you know, I don't want to overstep my bounds, but I'll be there to help him in any capacity he wants, and that's basically why I'm here and why I'm involved.

So, with that, I'll turn it over to Mike.

Michael Vick Press Conference Video