Football enthusiasts in the 757 area are buzzing with excitement as Michael Vick, a legendary player from Newport News, is set to return to Hampton Roads in a new role. Vick has been confirmed as the next head coach for Norfolk State University, marking a significant transition from his days under center to the sidelines.
With a standout career that started in high school at Ferguson and Warwick, Vick made his mark at Virginia Tech, leading the Hokies to an undefeated regular season in 1999 and an appearance in the national championship game. His incredible talent earned him the top selection in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Vick redefined the quarterback position with his unique style of play, especially noted for becoming the first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season back in 2006.
Despite a challenging period in his life that resulted in a 21-month prison sentence due to a dogfighting case, Vick made an impactful comeback in the NFL, earning the title of Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Following his retirement in 2017, he became an outspoken advocate for animal rights, collaborating with the Humane Society to promote stronger animal welfare laws.
Tommy Reamon, Vick’s high school coach, noted the influx of interest from coaching colleagues eager to compete against Norfolk State. The enthusiasm around Vick’s appointment is palpable, with fans like Donald Coleman expressing optimism about his potential to positively influence the team and its players.
While Vick lacks coaching experience, there’s a palpable excitement within the Norfolk State community. Many hope that his hiring will enhance the image of the Spartans and bring a renewed energy to the program, akin to the transformational success seen by Deion Sanders at Jackson State University.
Norfolk State has yet to announce Vick’s hiring officially, but an announcement is anticipated soon, fueling hopes for the future of the football program.
This development showcases a hopeful new chapter for Vick as he brings his extensive knowledge and experience to mentoring young athletes, potentially inspiring a new generation of players to excel both on and off the field.