The Norfolk State Spartans made headlines this offseason by hiring Michael Vick as their next head coach. Vick, an all-time college football great and no stranger to the spotlight, currently serves as an analyst on FOX’s NFL Kickoff show.
And in his first show since taking the job with the Spartans, Vick teased some of the emotions we can expect to see on the sidelines next fall.
‘Ready to Embark on a New Journey’ Michael Vick Fires Up Norfolk State Fans Nationwide
Vick took the head coaching job at Norfolk State without previous head coaching experience, but the level of access and extended network of a multi-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall pick is hard to pass up. As many may have questioned the decision to hire Vick as their next head coach, his emotional moment on FOX NFL Kickoff may have eased the minds of some Spartans’ fans around the country.
“I got what it takes,” Vick said during a segment dedicated to him. “I got all the people, the right people, around me and I’m ready to embark on a new journey. I know (his supporters) will be right there with me, but I’m gonna be home.”
If Vick’s statement about being home and speaking directly about his support group around him wasn’t enough, the sentiments of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Charles Woodson may have done the trick. Grabbing the mic after Vick, Woodson gave prospective athletes a word of advice.
“For any kids that’s watching, you see the emotion, that’s what it means to him and he’s gonna pour all that (emotion) into you,” Woodson said. “So any of you out there that (are) undecided about what you’re gonna do — I’ve been around this man for a few years now, you can get the best knowledge from this guy.”
“Norfolk State, we looking for big things.”
“When you got a chance to go lead young men in your community, where I grew up watching this team…I got what it takes.”
We want to congratulate our guy @MichaelVick on being named the new head coach of Norfolk State 👏🫶 pic.twitter.com/kAUk6ZtfyA
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 22, 2024
The emotion was clear on Vick’s face during the segment, and only that kind of raw emotion can be captured by watching the segment in its capacity.
Norfolk State finished the 2024 season with just a 4-8 record. They haven’t had a winning season since 2021 and haven’t qualified for the postseason since 2015.
Vick, who was born in Newport News, Virginia, remarked about coming home and leading the group of young men for a program he watching growing up. His only previous coaching stint came when he was an offensive coordinator/advisor for the Atlanta Legends in the AAF for their first seven games before the league ceased operations.
Norfolk State kicks off their 2025 season on Thursday, August 28, against Towson. The home game will surely be a much-anticipated contest next fall.
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