Fans Cheer as Michael Vick Makes Eagles Debut

KYW Newsradio Team Coverage

Michael Vick made his debut as a Philadelphia Eagle on Thursday in a pre-season game against the Jaguars. He received a warm welcome from fans inside the stadium, while both supporters and protesters peacefully demonstrated outside the stadium.

Oh, yeah -- the Eagles won, 33-32.

KYW's Ed Benkin reports that Michael Vick didn't know what to expect when he took the field for the first time on Thursday night. He said the ovation he received from the crowd was overwhelming:

"Yeah, I didn't think it was going to be that positive. I really didn't know what to expect. I was running out there on the field, you know, I was listening to see what the reaction was going to be and I was very pleased."

Vick went four for four, passing for 19 yards, and rushed for a yard. He said he was thrilled to suit up for a football game for the first time since 2006.

Read expanded game recap

KYW's Pat Loeb reports that there were some low-key demonstrations outside the Linc.

Michael Vick supporters and detractors didn't exactly square off.  A small group of animal lovers gathered on Broad Street:

"What he did to those animals, tortured them, electrocuted them, hung them, beat them on the ground until they were dead, stole other people's pets to be thrown in there and get eaten alive. That's why I'm here."

Vick defenders gathered closer to the stadium:

"Mike deserves a chance to go into the schools, talk about animal rights, talk about the mistake he made and really rehabilitate himself. And that's the other side we want to see Michael become a part of this community."

Most fans were firmly in the pro-Vick camp:

"I believe in redemption.  I believe that he's paid his debt to society and everybody deserves a second chance."


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