Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who stirred up a controversy when he said he wants coach Chip Kelly to name a starter before training camp, now says he was taken aback by the reaction.
“I was very surprised because I didn’t try to say it in a derogatory way where I felt like Coach should make a decision or there’s pressure on him to make a decision,” Vick told PhillyMag.com. “I was just asked a question, and I answered it the best way that I could. But Coach is totally involved in our team and what we’ve got going on and what needs to be done. Like I said, we’re all going to sit back and make sure that we do exactly what he asks us to do, regardless of who’s out there on the field.”
Vick said he texted Kelly to say he didn’t intend his comments to be disrespectful.
“Coach is just so straightforward,” Vick said. “After the first four or five words, you already understand and know where he’s coming from. So we talked the next day, and I sent him a text and he called me back and we talked and that was it. Like I said, everybody on that football team respects Coach Kelly and likes what he’s been able to accomplish so far. He’s grabbing the attention of everybody on our football team. We’re just focused trying to do what’s best for the organization.”
Kelly will do what’s best for the organization in deciding among Vick, Nick Foles and Matt Barkley. And Kelly will do it on his own schedule.