'I made a horrible mistake'

SPECIAL REPORT: Michael Vick

PHILADELPHIA -- A remorseful Michael Vick wants a second chance and vowed to crusade for animal rights with the Philadelphia Eagles -- and knows he won't be easily forgiven by fans.

"I have done some terrible things, I made a horrible mistake. And now, I want to be part of the solution and not the problem," Vick said yesterday, referring to his conviction for his role in running a dogfighting ring.

The Newport News native and former Virginia Tech star was introduced by the Eagles a day after signing a one-year deal for $1.6 million with a team option for a second year for $5.2 million. None of the money is guaranteed, so the Eagles face no financial risk if Vick does not make the team.

Vick, dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, was flanked by Eagles coach Andy Reid and mentor Tony Dungy.

"I really got the sense he wanted to do some great things," Dungy said. "He wanted to be a positive role model for young people. He wanted to get back to his family."

Vick has been out of action since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star served 18 months of a 23-month sentence in federal prison.

He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

"For the life of me, I can't understand why I was involved in such pointless activity," Vick said. "Why did I risk so much at the pinnacle of my career?"

The turnout at the Eagles practice facility yesterday was the largest in years, with more than 100 media members and nearly two dozen cameras present. Vick spoke softly during the 26-minute news conference, saying he felt remorse even as he was involved in dogfighting.

"There was a point in my life where I felt it was wrong and I knew it was wrong," he said. "To this day I have to live with that shame and that embarrassment."

Vick, who said he wants to be the "best ambassador to the NFL and community," said he hoped to play in a regular-season game soon. He asked for a second chance but expected he won't be easily forgiven by fans or the general public.

The signing drew fire from a local animal rescue group.

Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue in the Philadelphia suburbs, said the group will be renting three billboards near the Eagles' stadium blasting the signing of Vick.

Smith said he was stunned while listening to Vick at the news conference.

"I'm really shocked that he's coming to Philadelphia," Smith said. "He kept talking about second chances. His dogs didn't have a second chance. . . . There are a lot of people out there who deserve second chances more than Michael Vick."

The Philadelphia Daily News blasted the decision in headlines for yesterday's edition, with a front-page headline blaring "Hide Your Dogs" and "What Are They Thinking?" on the back.

A national group said it would be watching to see whether Vick lives up to his pledge.

Ed Sayres, president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said in a statement that the group "expects Mr. Vick to express remorse for his actions, as well as display more compassion and sound judgment this time around than he did during his previous tenure with the NFL. We hope that Mr. Vick uses his stature for the betterment of the community and the advancement of the issue of animal cruelty."

Vick knows he might never be forgiven by some people.

"I understand to a certain degree, but our country is a country of second chances," he said. "I paid my debt to society. I spent two years in prison. . . . That was a humbling experience. I can't explain how deeply hurt and how sorry I was."

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said he did serious "soul searching" regarding Vick. The owner said he met with Vick for hours and is convinced he can become a force in stopping animal cruelty.

"I needed to see a lot of self-hatred in order to approve this," Lurie said.

But Lurie said if Vick is not proactive in working with the community and the humane society, then his signing will be a "terrible decision."

"There's no third chances and we know that. If it isn't fulfilled the way we expect it to be, then it will be the end," Lurie said.