After telling GQ magazine that he didn't want to come to Philadelphia to be a third-string quarterback following his release from federal prison two years ago, Vick clarified his remarks Thursday.
The commissioner never told me to sign or not sign with particular teams."
Vick told the magazine: "I didn't want to come to Philadelphia. BUFFALO: Linebacker Shawne Merriman (sore knee) will miss the team's exhibition game Saturday.
DENVER: Defensive tackle Ty Warren will undergo surgery to repair his partially torn right triceps. The team hopes he can play in November.
MINNESOTA: Receiver Percy Harvin (rib) and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) will miss Saturday's exhibition game.
Exhibition games
Pittsburgh 24, Philadelphia 14: Ben Roethlisberger completed 8 of 12 passes for 125 yards and a pair of TDs for the host Steelers. Vick was intercepted three times, finishing 5 of 12 for 47 yards and was sacked once in one half of work.
Of course everybody could see that Michael Vick had a terrible game. Vick played about as bad as a quarterback can play in half. LeSean McCoy ran the ball well the few times he got the opportunity.
Vince Young played better than Vick but he didn’t have an outstanding day either. He only threw one interception but like Vick led the Birds to zero points. The one quarterback who played well was Mike Kafka, but he was playing against guys who are going to be selling insurance and used car in a few weeks.
The defensive line rushed the passer effectively at times, but far too many times they were unable to get into the quarterbacks’ face. The defensive end were getting upfield, but too many times it was upfield and out of the play.
The Birds sent Nate Allen and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on a blitz but Allen hesitated which gave Big Ben time to make a good accurate throw.
There were receivers running wide open all over the place. Michael Vick is glad he chose the Philadelphia Eagles, even if he had more attractive options.
“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 (Andy) Reid,” Vick said in a statement released hours before the Eagles played the Steelers in a preseason game.
The commissioner never told me to sign or not sign with particular teams. Vick rejuvenated his career with the Eagles, started in the Pro Bowl last year and finished runner-up to Tom Brady for NFL MVP.
In the September issue of GQ, Vick says that he consulted with Commissioner Roger Goodell before signing with Philadelphia.
The article states: “After meeting with Commissioner Roger Goodell and other reps from the NFL, Vick was convinced — and granted league approval — to sign with Philly.”