NORFOLK, Va. — Football fans in the 757 have vivid memories of Michael Vick as a player in Newport News. Now they’ll get to see him back in Hampton Roads, this time on the sidelines as a college head coach.
Vick will become the next head coach at Norfolk State, sources confirmed to News 3 on Tuesday evening.
The former quarterback made it official with an announcement on social media shortly thereafter.
Vick was a standout at both Ferguson and Warwick high schools before becoming the star quarterback at Virginia Tech with the Hokies. He led Tech to an undefeated regular season in 1999 and an appearance in the national championship game.
Watch: Tommy Reamon on Michael Vick’s Norfolk State hire
Michael Vick’s high school coach on Norfolk State hire
The Newport News native then declared for the NFL Draft in early 2001 and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the No.1 overall pick. He became the first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in 2006 and played the game in a way nobody had seen before.
Vick’s NFL career was put on pause in 2007, when he served 21 months in prison due to a dogfighting conviction. He returned to the field with the Eagles in 2009 and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010. Vick spent five seasons with the Eagles before winding down his career with the Jets and Steelers, officially retiring as a player in 2017. Since then, he’s worked as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports.
The former quarterback is also now an animal rights activist. He works with the humane society to help save animals and has supported animal rights legislation and stronger animal cruelty laws.
Watch related: Adam Winkler sits down 1-on-1 with Michael Vick
Adam Winkler sits down 1-on-1 with Michael Vick
“I’ve had 11 coaches call me in the last 72 hours. And they all want a job and/or, they don’t want to play Norfolk State,” said Tommy Reamon, who coached Vick in high school.
Vick may not have any coaching experience, but there is a growing excitement from the community and those on Norfolk State’s campus.
“I think he is going to be doing something better with the people,” said NSU fan Donald Coleman.
Watch previous coverage: NSU fans want to see Vick take over as head coach
NSU fans want to see Vick take over head football coach role
The hope is that Vick’s signing will enhance the Spartans’ image and raise the program’s profile — similar to the turnaround Deion Sanders orchestrated at Jackson State University.
Norfolk State has yet to issue a statement, but is expected to officially announce Vick’s hiring as soon as Wednesday.
