Former NFL Quarterback Michael Vick Joins Norfolk State as New Head Football Coach: 'I Know How to Lead'
“I know what it takes,” Vick said ahead of the announcement
Michael Vick officially has a new entry on his resume!
The former NFL quarterback and Virginia native was recently confirmed as the new head football coach at Norfolk State University.
“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 wrote on Facebook on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Hours before the announcement of his new position was made, Vick, 44, told The Virginian-Pilot, “I know how to lead and I know what it takes." Vick's only previous coaching experience was for the Atlanta Legends, which were part of the Alliance of American Football, a short-lived football league.
Vick will replace outgoing coach Dawson Odums in his new role.
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Vick, who attended Virginia Tech, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football players of all time. His 13-season NFL career began with the Atlanta Falcons in 2001 when he was selected as the overall first round draft pick.
Tommy Reamon, Vick’s former high school football coach and mentor, shared his excitement in a statement to The Athletic.
“I am so excited for him to do this because I think he’ll be a great coach,” Reamon said, revealing that he had been advising Vick on a potential college coaching career prior to him landing the job.
“He’s so personable, and he is charismatic. You’ve gotta be charismatic [to coach] in 2024, and that’s why he is gonna win. I’m excited to watch him as he communicates with the children,” he added.
Related: Michael Vick Dog Fighting Survivors: Where Are They Now?
In January, Vick was added to the College Football Hall of Fame, over 15 years after his dogfighting scandal landed him in prison.
In April 2007, police raided Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels in Surry, Virginia, and found 49 malnourished and injured pit bulls, along with the remains of dozens of dogs who had been killed — all part of a vicious dogfighting ring.
Related: More than 500,000 Animal Lovers Sign Petition Asking NFL to Remove Michael Vick from the Pro Bowl
Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison, serving 18, and fined nearly $1 million for victim restitution.
He continued to play in the NFL for seven additional seasons, with the Philadelphia Eagles, New Jersey Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers, before retiring in 2017.
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