The first time Michael Vick returned to the Georgia Dome, he was still a disgraced figure.
He had been banished from the NFL, served 19 months in Leavenworth for his role in a dog-fighting scheme, and as a backup quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles, mopped up a 34-7 rout of his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.
Sunday night marks a triumphant return to Atlanta when Vick, named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year for his play in 2010 and with a $100 million contract in hand, directs the Eagles, a team picked by many to reach the Super Bowl.
Its going to be exciting just to go back, Vick told reporters last week. This is a business, but from an emotional aspect, itll be good to go back to the dome. I think we just have to focus on the game, and I think thats going to be my approach. I dont want any distractions, and I just want to go out and play the best football that I can play.
Vick, the first overall pick by Atlanta in 2001, spent six seasons with the Falcons, was selected to three Pro Bowls and took the Falcons to one NFC Championship Game. He is not sure what kind of reception hell receive from the fans, but there will be plenty of No. 7s in the house; some will be his old Falcons red jersey, others Eagles green.
Thats something I havent thought about and dont want to get into, Vick said. I still have a lot of love for the fans down there, but keep in mind that I am with the opposition now. I dont expect it to be in my favor since Im out there for the other team, but well see. Thats the fun part of the game, and were just going to enjoy the game.
Last week in St. Louis, Vick started his first season opener since 2006, when he was with the Falcons. He threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns and added 98 rushing yards in 10 carries in the Eagles 31-13 victory.
I think maturity has been the biggest reason why Ive been able to accomplish the things Ive accomplished since I came to Philadelphia, Vick said. With age comes the maturation process, and everything happens in turn.
Vick knows what to expect from the Falcons defense.
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