The Eagles officially announced the signing of controversial quarterback Michael Vick with a press conference at the NovaCare Complex Friday morning. Vick was flanked on either side by Eagles’ head coach Andy Reidnapolis Colts and former India coach Tony Dungy. Vick said all the right things. He showed remorse, humility, and a desire to get back on the field and help the Eagles win a SuperBowl.

“I’m glad to have an opportunity at a second chance and I won’t disappoint,” Vick said.

When asked about how he planned to get back in people’s good graces, Vick indicated that he would continue to work with local and national animal rights groups, including the Humane Society.

“My actions will speak louder than my words, to be proactive, involved in community,” Vick said. “People will see that in due time. I have been working with the Humane Society, working with certain inner cities and communities to make sure we attack the problem.”

Whether his remorse is genuine, only Michael Vick knows, but he appeared to be very contrite during the press conference, through his words and his body language.

“It was a point in my life before I was even convicted or before the allegations even came out that I knew it was wrong and I felt it was wrong. Just when I was trying to turn the corner, it was too late,” Vick said. “Everything happens for a reason. There’s a reason I was sent to Kansas, a reason I was convicted. I was conscious of that fact. To this day, I have to deal with that shame and embarrassment.”

Vick also took responsibility for his actions and didn’t blame the people around him, or his culture, as many have in his defense.

“We all used the excuse that it was part of our culture. I don’t think that is an excuse. I was abiding by that rule at the time. When I went to prison, I had plenty of time to think about what I did,” Vick said. “Saw people’s reaction … Now I understand people care about their animals, their health, their welfare, the protections of their animals. Now I do.

“I was wrong for what I did. Everything that happened at that point in time was wrong. Can’t understand why I was involved to this day … I was a naive to a lot of things if I can help more animals than I can hurt then I have contributed and I have done my part.”

When Vick was asked about how he thought he could contribute to the Eagles this season, on the football field, he admitted he still had some progress to make to get in football ready shape.

“I’ve been away from game for two years. Have to crawl before I can walk. I can’t imagine trying to be a starter for a football team. As much God-given ability as I have, I don’t think I could do it. I think I could, but wouldn’t want to risk it. I need time to get my feet wet,” Vick said. “Thought this was a perfect scenario, a perfect situation to learn from Donovan [McNabb] … I want to get with Coach [Andy] Reid and Donovan and become a complete quarterback.

“I am ready to go. I stayed in shape, did all the things to keep up my physical physique. It was hard when I was away, but last two months, I have done the things to maintain my weight, my build, my speed. I think I have tested the waters and I feel great.”

One question many people have been wondering since the signing was announced midway through the second quarter of the Eagles-Patrios preseason opener Thursday night was, why Philly?

“I know everyone is thinking why Philadelphia. It’s a flagship organization, great tradition, great staff, a winning team,” Vick responded “They have a great team in place and want to be a part of that … I want to give the team every opportunity to win a Super Bowl. I’m considering this my first year, just trying to fit in wherever I can and get acclimated and do whatever I can to help this team succeed and reach the Super Bowl.”

Tony Dungy played a big role in mentoring Vick in prison and through the process of his rehabilitation. He has been a close adviser since he was released and has been a vocal prononent of getting him signed with an NFL team.

“I am really happy that things turned out this way,” Dungy said. “I am proud of the Philadelphia Eagles. I know they didn’t do this as a charity measure … They also stepped out to give a man a second chance and I think that is important. I think this is going to work out great. I didn’t think he could be with a better organization … Have a great support system here in place for him.”

Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie, did not sit next to Vick during his press conference, but instead made a statement and answered questions approximately 10 minutes after Vick, Reid and Dungy did. Lurie was visibly upset with Vick’s actions and it was clear that this decision was a tough one for him to make. But in the end, he made the decision to go ahead with signing Vick.

“My hope as we go forward is Michael will prove his value in society,” Lurie said. “Whether he becomes a good football player again, it’s possible. He’s got an opportunity to become a good member of society. That’s the goal here.

“His legend, he will be successful if he can diminish the level of animal cruelty and that’s it. If he is not proactive, he will not be on the team, because that is part of the agreement.”

More to come…

Photo: Alejandro A. Alvarez / Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Photographer