The Eagles star QB isn’t pulling any punches when talking about the mistakes he’s made in the past. Michael Vick Set To Release Autobiography Called “Finally Free” The first excerpts from Michael Vick’s autobiography, “Finally Free,” were released Monday. In an exclusive interview with USA Today, Vick discusses his dogfighting past, time in prison and future with the Philadelphia Eagles. “Back when I was involved in those activities, I may have become more dedicated to the deep study of dogs than I was to my [Atlanta] Falcons playbook,” one excerpt reads. “I became better at reading dogs than reading defenses. That’s just so sad to say right now, because I put more time and effort into trying to master that pursuit than my own profession … which was my livelihood … which put food on the table for my family.” Vick was arrested in 2007 after being hit with felony dogfighting charges for his role in funding and participating in fights held by Bad Newz Kennels. After accepting a plea deal, Vick turned himself in and was eventually sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. “When we pulled up to the courthouse, (fiance) Kijafa [Frink] looked me dead in the eyes. ‘Don’t go,’ she said. ‘Don’t leave.’ Then she started crying. … Then I started crying. The pain they felt — it was all my fault,” Vick writes. Vicks also laments his decision to lie to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell when he had a chance to come clean about dog-fighting. “I knew how to lie with a straight face,” Vick writes. “Sad to say, Commissioner Goodell bought into what I was saying, and I think he truly believed me that I was telling the truth. I deeply regret not telling him the truth from the outset.” But now that newly-married Vick has taken his life back, it’s time to take his career back too… After spending 19 months in prison, Vick was reinstated to the NFL in 2009 and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick became the Eagles’ starting quarterback during the 2010 season and in 25 games has thrown for 6,321 yards and 39 TDs and has rushed for 1,265 yards and 10 TDs. Vick even vowed to bring a Super Bowl to Philadelphia. “My story is not finished. I have more to do. I have something that I want give back to everyone that supported me,” Vick writes. “Here it is: I am committed, focused and determined to win a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. This is my promise. It is my drive. I will work like a champion to get there. I want to do it for my family, friends, mentors, coaches, teammates, and fans. I want to do it for Philly.” “Finally Free” hits bookshelves on September 4, one day before the 2012 NFL season begins (with the Giants playing the Cowboys) and five days before Vick’s Eagles play the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. We’ve always been huge supporters of Michael and his family, so we suggest you cop that book and look for MV7 and the Philadelphia Eagles to do handle their business this season! Image via AP Source
