In the hours following the Cowboys' 30-27 home loss to the Eagles on Sunday night, Dallas RB Tashard Choice used Twitter to first defend, and then apologize, for his post-game autograph request from Eagles QB Michael Vick.

NBC cameras showed Choice approach Vick and get his autograph as players began walking to the locker rooms at Cowboys Stadium. Vick obliged and signed at Choice's request.

"I have nothing but respect for him," Choice said. "I admire somebody who can overcome circumstances and come back and prove people wrong."

Choice's move, which he said was for his young nephew, was criticized by fans and media and even surprised Vick.

"That's probably the first time that's ever happened to me," Vick told espn.com. "But [Choice] is a great guy. It doesn't surprise me."

Choice was born in Jonesboro, Ga., and played in college at Georgia Tech during Vick's tenure with the Atlanta Falcons.

Choice's first tweet after the game read:

Listen y'all I know vick. That glove was for my nephew who is 3. Not for me

Choice then replied to two readers who criticized him on Twitter:

I don't care abbout that we all exchange autographs. That's so stupid for people to get mad at. vick is his [Choice's nephew] fav player. Has nothing to do with how I play on da feel. Y'all are a trip foreal

On Monday morning, Choice tweeted on the matter one more time:

If its anybody that cares about winning and the d cowboys its me. I apologize to the people it was just an innocent jesture for my nephew.

-- Arin Karimian