Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Michael Vick met the media on Friday, one day after agreeing to a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and said he is ready to make the most of his second chance after spending two years away from the game while serving a prison sentence on federal dogfighting charges.

Vick, flanked by Eagles head coach Andy Reid and former Colts head coach Tony Dungy -- his new mentor, expressed remorse for his actions that landed him in a federal prison in Kansas and said he is grateful for the opportunity he has been given.

"It's a surreal feeling, something I could not envision two years ago," Vick said about a return to the NFL. "I'm glad I got the opportunity for a second chance, and I won't disappoint."

However, Vick said he knows some people don't believe he warrants a second chance.

"I understand to a certain degree," Vick softly stated. "Our country is a country of second chances. I paid my debt to society. I spent two years in prison, away from my family. That was a humbling experience. I had to ask them for a second chance."

Vick spent 19 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from a dogfighting operation conducted at a house he owned in Surry County, Virginia. He was released May 20 and returned to his home in Virginia under house arrest until his sentence ended on July 20.

Shortly following Vick's guilty plea in August 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell imposed an indefinite suspension, which was lifted conditionally in late July.

There was much speculation about what team would take a chance on Vick, and the Eagles surprisingly made the move on Thursday with a one-year contract plus a one-year team option. Several media reports indicate the deal is for $1.6 million in the first year and the option is for $5.2 million.

"We all know what kind of football player Michael was, is and will be," said Reid. "Michael attacked the issue that he was presented with and has done it in a manner that is not only proactive but sincere."

Public reaction has been mixed, but Reid said the team did its research on Vick.

"Not everybody agrees with every decision that's been made. I know some people will not agree, but I think the majority will," Reid remarked. "I expect the public to have questions, initially, but also at the same time...we have done our homework. Michael himself has his life going in a positive direction. I think the majority of the public wants Michael to do well."

Vick knows some fans will embrace him and some won't.

"Fans require a lot out of the players," Vick said. "Sometimes they're good to you and sometimes they're not so good to you. That's a part of the business."

Vick said he would be active in the community. He is working with the Humane Society to make people aware of animal cruelty.

"I think my actions will speak louder than my words," Vick added. "I will be proactive in the community."

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said Vick has to be active in the community because that is part of the agreement. He said he listened to many people in coming to the decision, including Dungy and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but said Vick has to do his part.

"There's no room for error on Michael's part. There's no third chances," Lurie said after Vick had left the podium. "If it isn't fulfilled, then that's the end. If it's apparent that we're wrong, it won't take us long to make that change."

Where Vick fits into an Eagles offense that already includes veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb is something Reid won't detail.

"I've always said to the people of Philadelphia, I will bring the right people in to help us reach the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl," the coach said. "He will contribute. You can ask defensive coordinators on other teams if they're worried about that."

Vick, for his part, just wants to contribute in any way he can.

"My goal is to come back and be acclimated," Vick said, adding that he spoke with McNabb about what role he will play. "I'll do whatever coach asks. I'm just here to contribute and help win a Super Bowl.

"I can't imagine, being away from the game for two years, that I can come in and be a star for a football team. I have to crawl before I can walk."

Vick's conditional reinstatement allows him to participate in the final two preseason games and all other team activities. He will be considered for full reinstatement and possibly play in regular-season games, according to Goodell's original decision, by Week 6 (October 18-19) based on the progress he makes in his transition plan.

"I respect Commissioner Goodell's decision and think it was fair," Vick said. "I don't know when I'm going to play, but it will be soon."

Vick, who is on probation for the next three years, was the face of the Atlanta Falcons franchise after his selection as the top overall draft choice in 2001, and was once the NFL's highest-paid player. He was a three-time Pro Bowl pick and twice led the Falcons to the playoffs, including a trip to the NFC title game after the 2004 season, eventually losing to the Eagles.

The versatile QB has amassed 11,505 passing yards with 71 touchdowns compared to 52 interceptions on 53.8 percent efficiency. However, he is most known for his running ability, logging 3,859 yards on the ground in addition to 21 TDs.

His 1,039 rushing yards in 2006 ranks as the most by a quarterback in a single season.

The Eagles and Falcons, who cut Vick when he was released from prison, meet on December 6 in Atlanta.

"I have said several times in recent weeks that I want Michael to be one of the NFL's success stories as an individual and as a football player," Goodell said in a statement. "I believe he can accomplish both goals with the Eagles organization which has done an outstanding job in the community and on the field these last 15 years under the direction of owner Jeffrey Lurie. I know the Eagles will provide strong support but, ultimately, Michael's success is up to him and the decisions he makes."