Michael Vick, a renowned figure in football history, is set to return to the Hampton Roads area, this time as the head coach of Norfolk State University’s football team. Confirmations regarding his appointment surfaced on Tuesday evening, and Vick made the announcement himself via social media shortly thereafter.
Vick’s journey began in Newport News, where he excelled at Ferguson and Warwick high schools, later starring at Virginia Tech. During his time with the Hokies, he led the team to an impressive undefeated regular season in 1999 and marked their spot in the national championship game.
After declaring for the NFL Draft in 2001, Vick was selected as the first overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons. He gained notoriety for his unique style of play and became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season back in 2006. His remarkable career, however, faced significant challenges with a prison sentence in 2007 due to a dogfighting conviction. Upon his return to the NFL in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was celebrated as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010. Vick continued to play for the Eagles through 2014 before concluding his career with the Jets and Steelers, officially retiring in 2017. Following retirement, he transitioned to an NFL analyst role for FOX Sports.
Since stepping away from the field, Vick has also become an advocate for animal rights, collaborating with humane societies and supporting initiatives aimed at reforming animal cruelty laws.
Tommy Reamon, Vick’s high school coach, noted the high level of interest Vick’s hiring has sparked among other coaches, many of whom are eager to either work with him or avoid facing his team on the field. Community excitement is palpable, with many expressing optimism about the direction Vick will take the program, particularly considering his lack of prior coaching experience but strong influence as a player.
Fans are hopeful that Vick will not only elevate Norfolk State’s football program but also enhance its overall image, drawing parallels to the transformational impact Deion Sanders had at Jackson State University. While Norfolk State has not yet officially confirmed Vick’s hiring, the announcement is anticipated imminently.
In summary, Michael Vick’s transition from player to coach is seen as an exciting opportunity both for him and for Norfolk State, fostering hope for revitalization and growth within the program. His unique background and experiences position him to inspire and uplift student-athletes, adding a fresh chapter not just for himself but for the entire community.