National Football League

Report: Vick didn't want to join Eagles

Published Aug. 18, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick on Thursday attempted to clarify comments from a recent interview in which he implied that NFL officials "convinced" him to sign with the Eagles despite his misgivings.

Vick's interview with GQ, published on the magazine's website Thursday morning, sparked immediate interest as he appeared to say NFL brass, including commissioner Roger Goodell, meddled in his return to football in 2009.

"I can say this now because it's not going to hurt anybody's feelings, and it's the truth. I didn't want to come to Philadelphia," Vick told GQ. "Being the third-team quarterback is nothing to smile about. Cincinnati and Buffalo were better options."

The article goes on to say Vick was "convinced" to sign with the Eagles after a meeting with Goodell and "other reps from the NFL."

Vick, who had a Pro Bowl season in 2010, added, "And I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation."

But the star quarterback later issued a statement attempting to downplay mounting claims that the league overstepped its bounds by allegedly leading him to Philadelphia after his imprisonment on felony dogfighting charges.

"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. "And after those discussions, it became clear to me that this was the place I wanted to play and resume my NFL career. The commissioner never told me to sign or not sign with particular teams."

Vick, who told GQ he initially preferred starting offers from the Bengals and Bills, went on to be named 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the Eagles to an NFC East title.

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