December 19, 2024 – According to sources, Norfolk State University has selected former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick as the new head football coach. While university officials have not confirmed the appointment, the Virginian-Pilot reports that an introductory press conference is expected within a week.
“It’s an honor to announce that I’ll be the new head coach of Norfolk State University…looking forward to coming back home,” Vick shared Tuesday on Facebook. Norfolk State is located just 30 miles from Vick’s hometown of Newport News, Virginia.
Vick rose to prominence during his college football career at Virginia Tech, leading the team to a national championship game in 1999 as a redshirt freshman. In 2001, he became the first Black quarterback selected first overall in the NFL Draft, joining the Atlanta Falcons.
During his six seasons with Atlanta, Vick earned three Pro Bowl selections and led the Falcons to the NFC Championship game in 2004. After serving jail time for dogfighting, he made a remarkable comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning another Pro Bowl selection and the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year award. Vick later played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017 as the NFL’s all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, with over 6,100.
Since his retirement, Vick has worked as an analyst for Fox Sports and become an advocate for animal rights. His move to Norfolk State marks the beginning of his coaching career and a homecoming to the community that launched his football journey.