Vick To ESPN: We Have To Earn Everything


Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael VickLocally, we hear Michael Vick talk pretty much everyday.

The Eagles quarterback answers reporters’ questions coming off the practice field or at his locker whenever he’s at the Novacare Complex.

But it’s still noteworthy when Vick goes national and is featured on a network like ESPN because it puts the spotlight on him around the country. That can be a bad thing if he isn’t careful about what he says (see: dynasty). But as he continues to work to reshape his image, it can also be a good thing.

Vick was the subject for ESPN’s Sunday conversation this week (not coincidentally, the network is airing tonight’s Eagles-Patriots game), speaking one-on-one to Lisa Salters.

He was asked what is different about the team this summer, compared to last summer.

“Our mindset now is that we have to go out and earn everything,” Vick said. “Nothing’s going to be given. No team is going to lay down for us, and just because we have a great group of players on this team, that doesn’t equate to a win. We have to put the ball in the end zone. We’ve got to get stops on defense. We’ve got to do everything that we’ve been coached to do and try to perfect it.”

Salters told Vick thatLeSean McCoytold her the Eagles have no excuses in 2012.

“Couldn’t have been said any better. No excuses this year,” Vick said. “We want to be competing in the postseason, and that’s where it all starts. It starts Game 1 against Cleveland and just trying to get a streak going and play good football consistently. I think that’s the most important thing that you can have in this game is a great level of consistency and doing things the right way. If you can do that, you’ll find yourself in the win column and you’ll find yourself competing in the postseason.”

And finally, Vick was asked about why the team is dedicating the season to Garrett Reid.

“Garrett was supposed to be here,” he said. “All he talked about was the Super Bowl. When you’re sitting there, that’s the type of motivation you need in order to push forward and go on and have a successful day in the weight room for just that one day. …Those are the things that I never forget.”

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.