National Football League

Timeline of Michael Vick's NFL return

Published Sep. 21, 2010 8:01 p.m. ET

foxsports

A look at Michael Vick's return to the NFL from a federal dogfighting conviction:

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May 20, 2009 - After 18 months in custody, Vick is released from the Leavenworth, Kan., prison to begin two months of home confinement at his Hampton, Va., home.

July 20, 2009 - Vick is released from federal custody.

July 27, 2009 - Vick is conditionally reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Aug. 13, 2009 - Vick signs a one-year contract with an option for a second with the Philadelphia Eagles. He can take part in preseason practices, workouts, meetings and the final two preseason games. Vick can apply for full reinstatement by Week 6 in October.

Aug. 27, 2009 - Vick plays briefly in an exhibition game against Jacksonville. It's his first appearance in an NFL game in nearly 32 months.

Sept. 4, 2009 - Goodell says Vick can return for regular-season play on Sept. 27.

Sept. 27, 2009 - An emotional Vick gets in for 11 plays, carrying the ball once for 7 yards, throwing two incompletions and either handing off or acting as a decoy on his other eight plays as the Eagles defeat Kansas City 34-14.

January 2010 - Vick finishes the season having played in 12 games, going 6 of 13 for 86 yards passing and rushing for another 95 yards.

March 9, 2010 - Vick says the Eagles have exercised their 2010 option on him, meaning he receives a $1.5 million roster bonus.

June 25, 2010 - A co-defendant of Vick's is shot at the quarterback's birthday party in Virginia Beach, Va. Authorities, the NFL and the Eagles investigate.

Aug. 3, 2010 - Goodell tells Vick he will not face disciplinary action for the shooting and no charges are pressed against him. There is no change in his playing status with the Eagles and Vick says he did nothing wrong.

Sept. 12, 2010 - When Kevin Kolb sustains a concussion, Vick replaces him and leads the Eagles in their 27-20 opening-day loss to Green Bay. He's stuffed on a late fourth-down play but finishes with 175 yards passing and rushes for 103.

Sept. 19, 2010 - With Kolb still out, Vick starts against Detroit, his first time as a starting QB since 2006. He goes 21 of 34 for 284 yards and two TDs, runs for 37 yards, and the Eagles beat the Lions 35-32.

Sept. 20, 2010 - Eagles coach Andy Reid says Kevin Kolb will be the starting quarterback at Jacksonville in the next game, despite Vick's performances the last two weeks.

Sept. 21, 2010 - The Eagles reverse course and announce in a text message that Vick is their starting quarterback.