McNabb ready to re-establish himself in Philadelphia

"I want to retire as a Philadelphia Eagle," McNabb said in a phone interview. "I enjoy my career in Philadelphia and look forward to many years to come."

The Eagles' decision to take Kolb 36th overall — he signed a four-year contract last week — represents the latest challenge to McNabb during a career that has severely tested him from the time he was booed as the second overall choice in 1999.

The five-time Pro Bowler's ability to take Philadelphia to four consecutive NFC Championship games and to Super Bowl XXXIX failed to silence critics because the Eagles bowed to the New England Patriots 24-21 to close the 2004 season, leaving them without a title since 1960.

He joins teammates for their first full-squad practice at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., Monday amid questions about his health and durability. After a sports hernia caused him to miss the last seven games in 2005, he now is working his way back after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last November.

"My goal is to be at 100% by the first game," he says. "Is that a stretch? I don't know, but you have to shoot high."

McNabb visited James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., July 24 as part of monitoring his recovery. McNabb says the highly regarded surgeon is encouraged by the quarterback's progress and the strength in his knee.

At the same time, it is clear that much work remains to be done before the Aug. 13 preseason opener on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.

"Personally, I don't think I will play in the first game," he says. "The second game is a possibility (Aug. 17, against the visiting Carolina Panthers). The third game is even more of a possibility (Aug. 26, at the Pittsburgh Steelers)."

In what he says is an effort to be more accessible to fans, McNabb has agreed to blog at least twice a week through Yardbarker, an outlet in which he has an equity interest.

"Donovan McNabb has a very strong positive relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles," says Andrew Stroth, who handles the star's marketing for CSMG Sports, "but he also wants to communicate directly with his fans."

The Eagles have been guarded about media access to McNabb. "Obviously, when you are working for any type of employer they want to make sure you are doing the best for yourself and the organization," he says. "Sometimes they may do (more) than they should."

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said after the Eagles chose Kolb that the decision was made simply because he was the best player on their draft board. He also said McNabb is "going to be great for years to come."

Kolb was a four-year starter for the University of Houston who ranked sixth nationally in passing yards (3,809, 292 of 432) as a senior while throwing for 30 touchdowns with only four interceptions.

McNabb participated in the last four days of minicamp in June and says he told Kolb of his desire to have a good working relationship.

"I pulled him aside," McNabb said, "to say, 'We're going to work together. Don't get caught up in what people are saying on the outside. If you have any questions, ask me.' "