In an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic on Thursday, Michael Vick made it clear that he has no desire to return to Philadelphia as a backup and is set on starting somewhere in the NFl in 2014.
Michael Vick appeared to slam the door shut on a return to the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday in in an interview with Mike Missanelli on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia where the 11-year veteran reiterated his desire to be a starting quarterback in 2014.
Vick returned to Philadelphia prior to the 2013 season after the free agent market was bare in terms of starting jobs for the 33-year old quarterback and he ultimately won the starting job during a training camp competition with Nick Foles orchestrated by Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
Don't expect history to repeat itself heading into 2014.
"Listen," Vick said. "I want to start. I want to play. I want to be a starter in this league and I just can't see myself as a backup. Maybe down the road that would be a possibility, but not right now."
While Vick intimated that he wanted to be a starting quarterback prior to testing the free agent waters last offseason, he sounds utterly convinced that he will land a job this time around and understands that that opportunity likely will not come in Philadelphia after Foles threw for 29 touchdowns and two interceptions in the 2013 regular season and playoffs.
"As of right now, yeah. I just feel like I've got a lot to offer." Vick explained, when asked if he'd only consider signing with a team that guaranteed him a starting job. "I feel like I could be an asset to somebody's team and I feel like i can help a ballclub around this league. I don't want to sit there and be a waste of talent and I feel like I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't pursue [a starting job]."
In 2013 Vick played in parts of seven games, throwing for 1,215 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
"I just don't think I would lose a quarterback competition," Vick proclaimed. "I'm Not saying that out of arrogance but out of confidence. The one thing I won't do is go to any other place and battle for a position. Why would i do that?
"Battling for a position takes away from the game. It takes away from you preparing yourself and it takes away from you being able to give your team your all at an early stage. Battling with Nick was great, it was friendly competition but I couldn't focus on the season and what was to come, but it was about being the best that I can be every day. I've been through that experience. I just want to go somewhere and get acclimated and start winning football games."
While the NFL league year does not open until March 11th, it appears that the Vick era in Philadelphia, spanning two coaches in Kelly and Andy Reid has come to an end with the quarterback posting a 20-21 record in 41 games started over five years.
