Michael Vick, a notable four-time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback, has declared his intention to become the head coach of Norfolk State University. The 44-year-old Newport News native shared the news through a Facebook post on Tuesday, expressing his excitement about returning home to lead the Spartans.
While Norfolk State has yet to officially confirm Vick’s appointment, his announcement has generated significant interest. Vick has not held a formal coaching position since retiring from the NFL. He briefly held the title of offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Legends during the ill-fated Alliance of American Football in 2018, although he did not end up coaching the team due to changes before the league folded.
Vick’s impressive NFL career spanned 13 seasons, during which he transformed the quarterback position with his unique dual-threat playing style. He holds the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback, with 6,109 yards, a mark that current players, like Lamar Jackson, are closing in on.
Drafted as the first overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, Vick’s career took a tumultuous turn in 2007 due to his involvement in an illegal dogfighting ring, leading to a suspension from the NFL and nearly two years in prison. After serving his sentence, Vick made a comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for five seasons, later joining the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017.
Vick now faces the challenge of revitalizing the Norfolk State football program, which finished the recent season with a 4-8 record. Competing in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, Norfolk State is proud to be a historically Black university and a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
This new chapter in Vick’s journey reflects a hopeful opportunity for both him and Norfolk State. With his extensive experience and unique perspective on the game, Vick could inspire and guide young athletes, helping to foster a strong football culture at the university. His return as a coach not only highlights the potential for growth within the program but also marks a significant step in his own redemption story, as he aims to contribute positively to the lives of student-athletes in his community.