NORFOLK, Va. — Excitement is brewing among football fans in the 757 area as former player Michael Vick prepares to step onto the sidelines as the new head coach of Norfolk State. This news comes as a delightful surprise to those who hold fond memories of Vick’s impressive upbringing in Newport News.
Vick took to social media to officially announce his new role after sources confirmed his hiring to News 3. Known for his remarkable talent, Vick was a standout athlete at Ferguson and Warwick high schools before making waves at Virginia Tech, where he led the Hokies to an undefeated regular season in 1999, culminating in an appearance at the national championship game.
In early 2001, Vick was selected first overall in the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, marking a significant milestone as he became the first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season during 2006. His electrifying playing style redefined the quarterback position. However, his NFL journey faced significant challenges when he served a 21-month sentence for a dogfighting conviction in 2007. Vick made a triumphant return to the league in 2009, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2010 before wrapping up his career with the Jets and Steelers in 2017. He has since transitioned into a role as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports and has committed himself to animal rights activism.
Tommy Reamon, Vick’s high school coach, shared insight into the enthusiasm surrounding Vick’s hiring, citing the influx of calls from coaches eager to either join the staff or avoid competing against Norfolk State. Vick may lack previous coaching experience, but the campus and community are buzzing with anticipation about the positive changes he could bring.
Supporters believe that Vick’s return to the coaching scene could elevate the Spartans’ reputation and program, drawing comparisons to the successful turnaround led by Deion Sanders at Jackson State University. Although Norfolk State has not released an official statement yet, it is expected that an announcement will follow shortly.
The community is hopeful that this new chapter for Vick will lead to an era of revitalization for the Spartans, showcasing not only his talent on the field but also his dedication to shaping young athletes positively.
In summary, Michael Vick’s transition into coaching at Norfolk State brings a sense of optimism and excitement, as fans and supporters look forward to witness the potential transformation of the football program under his leadership.