NFL quarterback Michael Vick has warned fellow pro Ray Rice that he must back up his claims that he will repair his public image.

Rice is suspended for the first two games of the new campaign following a domestic dispute with his wife, which ended with the Minnesota Vikings running back striking her.

Last month, Rice expressed his intentions to become an ambassador against domestic violence - something which Vick has said he must now follow up on.

In 2007, New York Jets man Vick was convicted on dogfighting charges, and has been fighting public perception ever since.

Vick told NJ.com: "You've got to continue to make amends. Once you start something, you can never go back. I feel like I've become an advocate of animal welfare, and I think I have to continue that.

"It's all about keeping kids 15 years from now from doing the same. We've saved a lot of kids, and we've saved a lot of animals. That's how I feel. Ray will make it right. He'll do everything he can to make this situation whole again.

"I think he has to show people that he's trying to help himself and bring awareness to that situation to help others, to prevent it. You've got to become an advocate."

Rice recently confessed that the incident is the 'biggest mistake' of his life.