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Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick, who joined the Eagles this season after serving 18 months in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring, has been named recipient of the team's Ed Block Courage Award.
Given annually, the award honors NFL players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Recipients are selected in a vote by their teammates for team effort as well as individual performance.
Vick was signed to a $1.6 million contract by the Eagles during the preseason, with a team option for next year worth $5.2 million. He was granted full reinstatement to the league on Sept. 3 by commissioner Roger Goodell, who allowed him to return to the field in Week 3.
In 12 games, Vick has completed 6 of 13 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown this season and has also rushed 24 times for 95 yards and two scores. All three of Vick's touchdowns have come in the last three games.
Vick was given a prison sentence in December 2007 of up to 23 months, receiving a harsher sentence than his co-defendants in the federal conspiracy case because he gave "less than truthful" statements about killing pit bulls. He completed the sentence under house arrest.
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.
The public will get an inside look at his life during an eight-part television series, described as part reality TV/part documentary, scheduled to debut on BET next year.
Vick, along with one player from each of the other 31 NFL teams, will be honored at the Ed Block Courage Award Banquet in March in Baltimore.
Given annually, the award honors NFL players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Recipients are selected in a vote by their teammates for team effort as well as individual performance.
Vick was signed to a $1.6 million contract by the Eagles during the preseason, with a team option for next year worth $5.2 million. He was granted full reinstatement to the league on Sept. 3 by commissioner Roger Goodell, who allowed him to return to the field in Week 3.
In 12 games, Vick has completed 6 of 13 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown this season and has also rushed 24 times for 95 yards and two scores. All three of Vick's touchdowns have come in the last three games.
Vick was given a prison sentence in December 2007 of up to 23 months, receiving a harsher sentence than his co-defendants in the federal conspiracy case because he gave "less than truthful" statements about killing pit bulls. He completed the sentence under house arrest.
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.
The public will get an inside look at his life during an eight-part television series, described as part reality TV/part documentary, scheduled to debut on BET next year.
Vick, along with one player from each of the other 31 NFL teams, will be honored at the Ed Block Courage Award Banquet in March in Baltimore.
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