Wednesday, December 23, 2009

VICK WINS AWARD

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Michael Vick(notes) has won the Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by his teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles.

The once-disgraced star quarterback returned to the NFL after spending 18 months in a federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring. He’s played sparingly with the Eagles, running for two touchdowns and throwing for another in 12 games.

“I still have a lot of work to do,” Vick said Wednesday. “Having my teammates vote me this award shows I’m doing the right thing.”

The Eagles were criticized by animal rights activists for signing Vick less than a month after he was released from prison. Dozens of protesters voiced their outrage outside the team’s practice facility the day after Vick was signed, and many fans threatened to give up their tickets.

But Vick got a warm reception in his first game with the Eagles and by most accounts has been a model citizen off the field.

“Congratulations to him for straightening his life around and bettering himself as a human being,” coach Andy Reid said. “He’s obviously very well-respected by his teammates.”

Quarterback Donovan McNabb(notes) called the award “well-deserved.”


AP

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