"Michael Vick is unsure of his future with the Eagles.

Wherever the quarterback lands next season, he's likely to face protests similar to the one he confronted yesterday.

On the day the Eagles officially picked up his $1.5 million roster bonus, Vick was here to receive the Ed Block Courage Award. His presence and what some viewed as an undeserved award - in light of his dogfighting crimes - drew a visible demonstration from protesters.

Vick's Eagles teammates unanimously voted him the award, coach Andy Reid said in December.

Despite the roster bonus, Vick isn't expected to remain an Eagle for much longer.

"I don't know what the situation may be," said a tuxedoed Vick. "As far as I know, I'm a Philadelphia Eagle, and I will continue to carry out the role that I've been playing, and, hopefully, we'll see what happens."

Since the end of the season, Vick has been vocal about wanting to start again. With starter Donovan McNabb and backup Kevin Kolb ahead of him on the depth chart, that would be unlikely if all three were to return next season. Of course, rumors persist that either McNabb or Kolb could be dealt for the right offer.

Vick said he told coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg at the end of the season that he wanted to be a starter.

"I think the entire organization knows that I want to be a starter," Vick said.

The Ed Block Courage Award, named after the longtime Baltimore Colts trainer, is given to one player from every NFL team. Former Eagle and current Broncos safety Brian Dawkins was also a recipient at last night's banquet. It was Vick's appearance, though, that drew a heavy police presence and approximately 75 animal-rights protesters.

"I think I do exemplify what this award stands for," Vick said. "I think everybody has a right to their own opinion. I feel like I've done everything that I said I would do coming out and moving forward, and that's most important to me. My peers felt like I was doing the right thing. They felt like I displayed courage and sportsmanship and leadership."

Vick served 18 months in a federal prison for running a dogfighting operation and was released in May."