Eagles drop bombshell, sign Vick

When it was suggested that there would be some backlash over the Eagles' decision to sign Vick, Reid did not disagree and said he understood. He added that it was up to Vick to convince the skeptics that he is sincere about being rehabilitated.

"This is America," Reid said. "We do make mistakes, and in this situation he has a chance to prove he is doing the right things and I think the fans will be excited for him as long as he continues to do them. He's been proactive, speaking all over the country and working with the Humane Society."

Former Eagles linebacker Ike Reese, who played two seasons with Vick in Atlanta, said he was stunned by the move.

"I don't think you put yourself through the public backlash that they are going to receive [today] and the next few days from the people who are opposed to this type of move just for the Wildcat," Reese said. "He hasn't played for two years. Why take that risk?"

Vick's last game, in fact, was on New Year's Eve of the 2006 season against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. He suffered an injury that knocked him out of the game before halftime and his life went into turmoil the following summer when the allegations about the dogfighting ring surfaced.

Now, Vick is back in Philadelphia and back in the NFL.