"Just before 10 a.m. Saturday morning at Lehigh, a shout from a fan interrupted the routine drills occurring on the field in front of him.

"Yo, Vince!" the barking voice called.

Heads turned in anticipation and chatter rustled from the stands. Along the sideline strolled former national champion Vince Young, who greeted his on-looking admirers by spreading his index and pinky fingers into his alma mater's signature "Hook 'em Horns" gesture. His contract with the Eagles freshly inked, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback wore not a helmet, but a green-and-white visor along with the customary red quarterback jersey, No. 9 displayed on each side but no name printed on his back.

Young may very well hide in the background during his time in Philadelphia, where he seeks a "fresh start" as a backup to Michael Vick, but not on this day. No, on the day that fans returned to Lehigh, bringing with them the vivacious spirit of Eagles training camp, the ex-Titan spent his introductory moments as the center of attention.

"Vince Young, Vince Young, Vince Young!" came the chants, soon replaced by the traditional "E-A-G-L-E-S!" In return, the man of the hour offered a sheepish smile and a few subtle waves.

If Young is ready to move on from his troubled past and mature into the leader of an NFL franchise, he certainly has found the right place.

"You hear a lot of history about Eagles Nation," he said. "And just to be a part of it, I'm very, very happy to be here and be a part of a great, great organization."

Teammates and fans appeared equally as happy. At least in its opening stage, the Vince Young-Eagles marriage seemed like an ideal fit.

And what makes it ideal? Well, precisely the same factors that have allowed the Michael Vick experiment to flourish thus far.

First among them, Young was quick to point out, is Andy Reid. His eagerness to offer second chances and the respect he owns "across the league" attracted another beleaguered quarterback."