Former NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick has excitingly declared that he will be stepping into the role of head coach at Norfolk State University. The 44-year-old Newport News native shared the news on his Facebook page, expressing his enthusiasm for returning to his roots: “It’s an honor to announce that I’ll be the new head coach of Norfolk State University… looking forward to coming back home.”
Although Norfolk State has yet to officially confirm Vick’s appointment, his announcement marks a significant move in his professional journey, as he has not held a dedicated coaching position since retiring from the NFL. In 2018, he was slated to be the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Legends in the Alliance of American Football, but that role did not materialize, and the league unfortunately folded shortly thereafter.
Vick’s illustrious 13-season NFL career redefined the quarterback role due to his unique dual-threat capabilities. He is renowned for holding the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback, with an impressive 6,109 yards, although he faces competition from current stars like Lamar Jackson.
His career, however, has been tumultuous. Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, Vick signed a lucrative contract but faced a drastic setback in 2007 due to his involvement in an illegal dogfighting ring, leading to a lengthy prison sentence and suspension from the league. Nevertheless, Vick made a remarkable comeback, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and other teams before officially retiring in 2017.
Now, Vick aims to revitalize Norfolk State’s football program, which finished the recent season with a 4-8 record. As a historically Black university (HBCU) in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Norfolk State presents an opportunity for Vick to make a positive impact and mentor young athletes as he leads the Spartans in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
His appointment can be seen as hopeful, reflecting a chance for growth and revitalization for both Vick and the Norfolk State football program. It illustrates a narrative of resilience and redemption, as Vick looks to leverage his experience and passion for the game to inspire and develop the next generation of players.