"Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has had football taken away from him once before. The biggest difference this time, he said, is that he still has the freedom to practice the game, even if he can't actually play it.

And Vick does intend to practice during the NFL's work stoppage. He made that clear Saturday after visiting a prison in Avon Park, Fla., where he said he delivered a message of hope and encouragement to the inmates.

"Being a veteran I think it's important that I take on a leadership role here and gather the young guys together and make sure we're being responsible and taking care of our bodies for whenever we do get back to work," Vick said.

"We don't know how long this [work stoppage] is going to be, but the thing you have to remember is that we all have personal trainers to help keep us in shape, so there's not really any layoff for us. We'll still be working."

Vick had a 2-year layoff while he spent time in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting ring. He said one of the most difficult aspects of his absence from the game was the inability to practice his craft and stay sharp.

"A 2-year layoff is tough," Vick said. "But the thing I have now is my freedom. I'm able to work out and keep my body in shape, so I believe everything will work itself out in due time."

Vick didn't venture a guess as to when the work stoppage would end, but he agreed with former Bucs and Colts coach Tony Dungy, who accompanied him on his visit to the prison, when Dungy said, "There will be football this year."

"You heard what the coach said," Vick said. "I mean, I really don't want to think about the worst-case scenario, because I really do believe there will be football, so I'm planning for that."