Less than 10 months ago, Donovan McNabb reached out to the Philadelphia Eagles and encouraged the team to give Michael Vick a chance to return to the NFL after the embattled star was released from prison. During the 2009–10 season, McNabb served as Vick’s mentor and helped him to readjust to the game of football. But in a surprising move, the Eagles decided to trade McNabb to the Washington Redskins last weekend.
Vick, who is currently listed as the backup to quarterback Kevin Kolb, shared his thoughts on the impact of McNabb’s trade and beginning the season as a second-string quarterback.
Vick: “My job is to come in every day and ultimately try to get better and get myself ready for any role I have to play on this team. Whether it’s behind center at quarterback or wherever it may be. It’s not open competition. Until I hear anything different, what I’m going to do is continue to help him and continue to help this team win football games.
“I think my role will still be the same. I’m going to come in … and make plays, and just try to do things to keep the offense on course. Whatever I’m asked to do, that’s what I’ll be available to do. I look at the situation as not being part of God’s plan right now. I think when the opportunity knocks for me to go out and [start] again, then it’ll happen and I’ll be ready for it.
“The only thing I can do is prepare myself and make sure I’m ready to play,” he continues. “That’s what I’m going to continue to do. That’s why I was here at 9 o’clock this morning for workouts and I just finished throwing the ball. I went out there and had a great session. The goal is to continue to work hard. I know I still have longevity in this league. I have to look at it as a positive. I am preserving my body and continuing to go out and learn and understand the game. That’s the value.” –amir shaw
