NORFOLK, VA — Michael Vick was introduced as Norfolk State’s football coach Monday to screams of “Coach” and “Let’s go, Spartans,” marking his homecoming and a splashy, attention-grabbing hire for a school that has struggled in previous years.Vick, who grew up about 30 minutes away in Newport News, wore a Norfolk State letterman’s jacket and cap in front of a crowd that included fellow Hampton Roads, Virginia, sports legends Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith.
Vick’s introduction came unexpectedly after a whirlwind courtship. “I was talking to my high school coach a couple weeks ago, and I told him I wanted to be a football coach one day, a couple years from now,” he explained.
Vick claimed he then received an unexpected call from former Virginia Tech football player Aaron Rouse, who is now a Virginia state senator, and Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb, who inquired about his interest in becoming the Spartans’ coach.
“It wasn’t the easiest decision to make,” Vick added. “I have a family that I consider, care about, and love. This takes a significant lifestyle adjustment. At the same time, it allows me to help young guys in my neighborhood.
Vick led Virginia Tech to the national title game as a redshirt freshman before being taken first overall in the 2001 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his six seasons in Atlanta, and his dynamic running abilities transformed the quarterback position.
Vick’s career was derailed after he was convicted in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting operation. He pleaded convicted and spent 21 months in federal prison before restarting his profession in 2009. He retired in 2017 and had previously worked as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports and an animal rights activist.
Vick’s past issues were acknowledged only indirectly by Webb on Monday, who commended Vick’s ability to “inspire and overcome challenges” and said it is consistent with the principles the school seeks to foster in its student-athletes.
His journey is one of resilience and redemption and unwavering commitment to growth,” according to Webb.
Vick has no coaching experience and is the latest former NFL player to assume the reins of an HBCU program, joining Deion Sanders and Eddie George.
Norfolk State has only made one postseason appearance since transitioning to FCS in 1997. The previous five Spartan head coaches all had losing records, including Dawson Odoms, who was sacked in November after finishing 15-30 over four seasons.
However, school administrators welcomed Vick’s hire as revolutionary. Vick’s name, according to Webb, “resonates around the world.”
Rector Kim Brown added, “Today we turn the corner and embrace a new season for our football program.”
Vick, for his part, stated that he will not be outworked and will actively recruit in his native region, which has traditionally been a hotbed of talent. He stated that he attended Norfolk State games while playing youth football in Newport News and has followed the program throughout the years.
“It’s a lot of pressure being in your hometown,” he joked. “I’ve always thrived off it.”
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