New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick has received messages of support from two of his former coaches following his move to his new team.
Vick signed for the Jets last week, having lost his role as starter at the Philadelphia Eagles to Nick Foles midway through last season.
Now Andy Reid and Chip Kelly - who both coached Vick during his time in Philadelphia - have stated that they believe he will succeed in Rex Ryan's set-up, with the 33-year-old ready to compete with Geno Smith to start for the Jets.
Reid told reporters: "Michael's been blessed with some unbelievable gifts and I don't think those have deteriorated. He's still going to go out there and be one of your fastest guys. He's going to be able to throw the ball as well as anybody.
"I think he will be a great mentor to Geno Smith. It sounds like they already have kind of an understanding there."
Kelly echoed Reid's sentiments, and also said kind words, despite dropping Vick in favour of Foles last year.
"I still think he's got a lot of football left in him," Kelly added. "He's got tremendous arm skill. I don't know too many guys in the league that have the arm that Mike does. There's still days in practice in December when he rips a couple and you're just like, 'Whoa.' He can throw the football. He still has the ability."
Injury-plagued Vick didn't start all 16 regular season games in any of the five years in which he played for the Eagles, and he made just seven appearances last term.
Joe McPhee
