PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick's return to the NFL with the Eagles is getting a mixed reaction in Philadelphia.

Some hardcore Philly fans who bleed Eagles green were seeing red Friday, a day after the team signed the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback to a two-year deal.

Meanwhile, others credited the franchise for giving Vick a second chance after he was convicted for his role in running a dogfighting ring and served 18 months of a 23-month sentence in federal prison.

Opinions of those around Philadelphia were as diverse as Eagles fans themselves.

Because of the Vick signing, Maryanne Aros said her Eagles tickets will go begging this year.

"I'm a die-hard Eagles fan, I was born and raised following the Birds, I have pictures of myself, 3 years old, in an Eagles uniform, it's the way I bond with my father — but I can't," said the 23-year-old who was dressed in red Phillies garb as she protested outside the Eagles' practice facility following Vick's introductory news conference.

"I can't go to the games, I can't watch anymore," said Aros, who was holding a sign showing pictures of dogfights and asking "Why do (Eagles CEO) Jeffrey Laurie and (president) Joe Banner condone this?"

But a few steps away 33-year-old Christopher Cabrera, of Merchantville, N.J., had outfitted his 4-year-old pit bull Tyson with a makeshift Vick jersey.

"I'm in favor of him getting another chance," Cabrera said. "What he did was wrong, but everybody deserves a second chance in America. And if everybody was persecuted for the skeletons we don't know in their closets, everyone would hate everybody, and that's not the way you've got to be."

Throughout the city, Philadelphia area residents debated the surprise signing of Vick.

"I think he should be in jail," said 26-year-old David Owens, who was strolling through tony Rittenhouse Square with 5Z\x-year-old Shiloh, a German Shepherd/Labrador mix. "I think he needs psychiatric help; I think it's an illness. But he shouldn't be playing sports."

But 55-year-old artist Rich Bedenbaugh, walking a 2½-year-old Shih Tzu in another part of the park, was more forgiving.

"He served time but he seems like he's really sorry," Bedenbaugh said. "He's a good player. He might take us to the Super Bowl."