FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Michael Vick to the most lucrative contract in NFL history Thursday -- a decade-long deal worth $100 million.
Vick agreed to a signing bonus of more than $30 million.
"It should be officially noted that I now work for Michael Vick," Falcons owner Arthur Blank joked at the news conference announcing the signing. "This is a wonderful transaction for all of us."
"This is a very big day for me and my family," Vick said. "I'm very excited about this new deal. I can honestly say Atlanta will be my home for the next 10 years. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring a Super Bowl to Atlanta."
Atlanta has already clinched a playoff berth and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. The Falcons missed the playoffs last year when Vick suffered a fractured fibula, but in the 2002 season he guided Atlanta to a playoff win in Green Bay.
He has completed 314 passes this season for 2,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. Vick, however, is not expected to play next Sunday against New Orleans while resting a sore shoulder.
