Vick Tells GQ Magazine He 'Didn't Want To Come To Philadelphia'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick opened up about his NFL comeback in the September issue of GQ magazine, admitting he didn't plan on coming to Philadelphia.
"I didn't want to come to Philadelphia. Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options," Vick told the magazine.
When Vick joined the team in 2009, he was listed on the depth chart behind Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb.
In the article titled 'The Impossible, Inevitable Redemption of Michael Vick,' the "new-look" quarterback explains that the Bills and Bengals wanted him and would've allowed him to start, but after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell and other reps from the NFL, was convinced—and granted league approval—to sign with the birds.
"And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation," Vick says.
Vick has been with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2009 and has since been named the team's starting QB. After a Pro Bowl season in 2010, Vick has the Eagles poised for a Super Bowl run in 2011.
In response to the article, Vick released a statement through the Eagles:
"I felt it was necessary to put out a statement today clarifying the article in GQ Magazine. I did speak with many people, but the decision to sign in Philadelphia was based on my discussions with my agent, my family and with Coach Reid. And after those discussions, it became clear to me that this was the place I wanted to play and resume my NFL career. The Commissioner never told me to sign or not sign with particular teams. Again, I want to make it perfectly clear that this was a decision I made and, as I have said numerous times before, I'm very happy with the way it has worked out for me and my family."
