PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Michael Vick’s return to the NFL was overshadowed by a bunch of young kids on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vick was on the field for seven plays in the opening half of the Eagles’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and not much happened with him in the game.
Vick ran once for 7 yards, threw two incompletions, including one throw that bounced woefully short, and either handed off or acted as a decoy on the other four plays. The Eagles built a 24-7 halftime lead over the struggling Chiefs in large part on the play of quarterback Kevin Kolb, rookie halfback LeSean McCoy and second-year receiver DeSean Jackson.
McCoy ran for a touchdown and Kolb ran for one and threw for another to Jackson, who had 117 yards receiving in the half.
Vick could only cheer them on.
s, a debut that has been much anticipated in the NFL.
On the second play from scrimmage, the 29-year-old Vick lined up as a wide receiver, went in motion and had a handoff faked to him. He then watched as McCoy lost a yard on a carry.
Some in the crowd rose to give Vick a standing ovation but many fans at Lincoln Financial Field didn’t seem to notice.
A Pro Bowler in three of his six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick went from a hero to a disgrace in 2007 when his association with a dogfighting ring was announced by federal authorities.
Before the game, a group of about 25 protesters gathered at the northeast entrance to the stadium, holding signs saying, “Vick is sick” and “Ethics over athletics.” As fans walked by, some began chanting Vick’s name and a few shouted insults at the protesters or yelled at them to go home. Philadelphia police stayed close to keep an eye on things.
The only play of note for Vick in the opening half was his second from scrimmage. Taking a shotgun snap, Vick ran an option keeper to the right and gained 7 yards, drawing a cheer from the crowd.
The fleet-footed Vick, who gained 1,000 yards rushing in 2006, got a chance to throw his first pass on the same series on a first and goal from the Chiefs 5. However, it went out of the end zone as he took a big hit.
gain.
Kolb was not on the field for any of the six shotgun snaps Vick took in the first half.
Vick’s other plays were a bounced pass attempt to Jason Avant, a handoff to receiver Jeremy Maclin and a handoff to McCoy for 5 yards.
He spent the rest of the time standing on the sideline, handing his helmet to an equipment man and taking a visor in return.
Vick was released from prison in late July and signed a one-year deal for $1.6 million with an Eagles’ option for a second year at $5.2 million. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced in early September that Vick would be eligible to play this week after sitting out the first two regular-season games.
Vick has called his offenses “a horrible mistake” and vowed to crusade for animal rights.
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