Washington - One-time star quarterback Michael Vick has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles that will return him to American football after spending 18 months in prison for his role in a dog-fighting ring.

In a press conference Friday, Vick acknowledged it would take time to win back supporters and promised to make amends by working with animal rights groups. He has already begun a public awareness campaign with the Humane Society.

"I've made some mistakes. I've done some terrible things," Vick said. "I want to be part of the solution, not of the problem."

Vick, 29, on Thursday signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year with the Eagles. But he will not be the team's starting quarterback.

Vick pled guilty in 2007 to financing and participating in a dog- fighting ring, in which animals that underperformed were killed. At the time he was the starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons.

The charges sparked outrage among fans of the National Football League (NFL), the top American football league in the United States.

Vick was suspended from the league indefinitely, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month agreed to a conditional reinstatement. He was allowed to sign with a team and join practices, but a decision on whether he can actually play in a match is due only by the sixth week of the football season, which begins in September.

"I'm a believer that as long as people go through the right process they deserve a second chance," said Eagles coach Andy Reid on Thursday.(dpa)