Philadelphia held a press conference for their new quarterback on Friday, as Michael Vick addressed the media for the first time since joining the Eagles.

Here is the video of the press conference, courtesy of ESPN.com:

Does anyone else think it’s kind of ironic that the Eagles had an Aquafina bottle in front of Vick at the presser given the incident with him carrying a trick water bottle through security at the Miami Dade Airport back in January of ’07? I’m surprised someone from the Eagles’ PR staff didn’t go, “Whoops! Hey, let me switch that Aquafina bottle out for this cool, refreshing Dasani water instead, Mike.”

We could study Vick’s demeanor in this video for hours and half of us will come to the conclusion that he doesn’t appear to be truly sorry for what he’s done, while the rest of us will say he’s a changed man.

But none of it matters. What matters is what he does going forward, because his actions will speak louder than his words ever will.

He’s going to have to prove to everyone that he can act like a human being when he’s thrust back into the NFL spotlight. What happens when he’s a part of the high-profile society again? How will he act? He’s now making over a million dollars again – how will he spend that money? Will he fall back into the same crowd? Did he truly learn from his past mistakes?

The true test for Michael Vick is forthcoming. This press conference was just the first step.

Here is what some of the local beat writers, columnists and bloggers are saying about the Eagles’ signing of Michael Vick.

Philadelphia Inquirer:
- Phil Sheridan writes that Vick isnt’ worth the trouble for the Eagles.

- Paul Domowitch says that controversy aside, the Vick signing is a perfect move by the Eagles.

- John Gonzalez is “astounded” by Philly signing Vick.

- Bob Cooney highlights the pros, cons and total shock of the signing.

- Jeff McLane writes that Vick’s role with the Eagles is still unclear.

Philadelphia Daily News:
- Unsurprisingly, animal activists and readers are shocked by the signing.

- The Eagletarian (the PDN’s blog) discusses what kind of impact Vick will have on Donovan McNabb.

Blogs:
- BLEEDING GREEN NATION details who Pro Football Talk made up another story (I say “another” because this certainly isn’t the first time they’ve reported fake news) about how McNabb wasn’t pleased by the signing of Vick, yet as the blog notes, McNabb actually lobbied for the team to sign Vick.

- BLEEDING GREEN NATION also has a live blog dedicated to Vick’s first press conference with the Eagles.

- IGGLES BLOG writes that they’re proud of the Eagles for signing Vick.

- EAGLES PERCH is still in shock over the signing.