Michael Vick will never forget the chance that Andy Reid gave him. After getting released from federal prison in 2009, there were not too many teams winning to take a chance on him. Despite displaying next-level talent with the Atlanta Falcons, interest surrounding the quarterback was slim to none. Until Reid called offering him a chance to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I'll never forget the opportunities given to me by this organization and by Andy Reid," Vick said, via ESPN.com. "That will never change."
Vick and the Eagles are preparing to face their former coach on Thursday as Reid is in the midst of his first season with the Kansas City Chiefs. They will be on the opposite ends of the field for the first time in years. Vick admits that it will feel weird seeing Reid wearing a different uniform, but he understands that is just the nature of the business.
Reid offered Vick a two-year contract at the time of his release, originally intending for the quarterback to play third-string behind former starter Donovan McNabb and backup Kevin Kolb. By the end of the 2010 season Vick was the starter.
"Andy Reid is a man who will go down in history, in my book, as one of the greatest coaches of all time and one of the greatest men I've ever met," Vick said.
Vick was the quarterback during two of the worst seasons of Reid's coaching career. The team was 10-6 in 2010, 8-8 in 2011 and 4-12 in 2012 leading to the firing of Reid. For his part of the rematch, Reid says he is not bitter towards the Eagles and how things ended with the team. Instead he is focused on a future with Kansas City and getting the win.
"I thought change would be good. I thought it would be good for the Eagles and we're in the process here. It'll be good for the Chiefs," Reid said, via the team website. "Life continually changes. That's all part of it. There's certain things that you hold strong to and there are other things that you go with that might be a little bit better, that you learn from. That's no different in my shoes or in your guys' shoes."
Many of Eagles players are echoing the statements of Reid. The former Eagles coach is responsible for giving players like DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy their starts in the NFL. They all thrived under the coaching of Reid, making them some of the league leaders in their respective positions. Everyone remains grateful for their time under Reid.
"Coach Reid is a father figure to me," said Jackson, who was once suspended by Reid for a game for breaking team rules. "He's a great guy, and we've been keeping in contact throughout the offseason and the preseason. He texted me after last week's game, so it's going to be great to see him come back."
