Michael Vick resurrects his career in Philadelphia

American footballer Michael Vick, once the highest paid player in the NFL, has resurrected his career after almost two years in jail for running a dog-fighting operation. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback became a free man in July and has now signed a deal to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
 
Vick's career collapsed in 2006 when he was accused of running an enterprise called Bad Newz Kennels to breed pit bulls for dog fights. In August 2007 he was jailed and suspended indefinitely by the NFL after being convicted of conspiracy and running a dog-fighting operation. He also admitted killing dogs that did not perform well in fights.
 
Vick, the number draft pick in 2001 and the NFL's first superstar black quarterback, was two years into a 10-year, $130m contract with the Falcons at the time of his downfall. The case caused a sensation.
 
After 23 months in jail he has had his suspension lifted and has been given a second chance with the Eagles. But now aged 29, he will earn nowhere near the amounts he used to command; the first year of the deal is for $1.6m with an option for the second year at $5.2m. He must now fight for his place with the Eagles' regular quarterback Donovan McNabb and current back up Kevin Kolb.
 
Vick has expressed remorse for his actions. In a 60 Minutes interview to be aired this weekend he says he regrets not halting the operation. Asked if he was more concerned about his career or the dogs he hurt, he replied: "Football don't even matter".
 
Despite his show of penitence he still faces a hard time from fans. A Peta spokesman said: "You have to wonder what sort of message this sends to young fans who care about animals and don't want them to be harmed." ·