Michael Vick's future in the NFL will hinge on him convincing commissioner Roger Goodell that he's truly remorseful for the mistakes he's made.

That was Goodell's message Tuesday, speaking of the quarterback only hours before he was expected to be released from a federal prison in Kansas. Vick will need not only to say he's sorry, but convince Goodell he means those words if there's any chance his indefinite suspension will be lifted.

Goodell and Vick will meet sometime about reinstatement, but not before the remainder of Vick's sentence is completed. Once released from prison, Vick will remain largely in home confinement until July 20.