In December 2024, with much fanfare and excitement, Michael Vick was introduced as the new head coach of Norfolk State after their disappointing 4-8 season. For Vick, it was kind of going back to his roots since he grew up in Newport News, just 34 minutes away from the school. The move garnered so much attention that on Vick’s introduction day, fellow sporting behemoths from Hampton Roads, Virginia, Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith were in attendance. But for Vick the decision was not easy when he received sudden calls from former Virginia Tech football player Aaron Rouse (a Virginia state senator now) and Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb. But still, he took it. Why?

“I’ve got family that I considered, I care about and I love. This requires a lot of change in lifestyle. But at the same time, it allows me to serve young men in my community,” Vick had explained. Another thing was there- the dilemma between two options that Vick had to select from. Other than Norfolk State, Sacramento State was also in the mix. And they had a unique edge.

Apart from the fact that they had built a fabulous program that reached the FCS playoffs in three out of last four years, they also created an NIL community with a target of raising $50 million. The present CFB landscape is ruled by NIL and transfer portal rules. It’s as if NIL would be the ringmaster, and coaches would just be juggling props in its circus. But here, Vick stood apart.

“Sacramento State had a great situation. They had tons of NIL money and tons of opportunity. But I didn’t want to make my decision based on money. I wanted to make it based on what I could do and who I could sincerely help…I felt like it was great to go back home and do it in my backyard. And that was probably the deciding factor, having the chance to do it back where I grew up,” Vick had said. But not everyone considers that. Look at Bryce Underwood’s flip to Michigan with a reported $10.5 million NIL deal. On Marshawn Lynch’s Get Got Podcast, Vick kind of accepted this reality while admitting that they can’t go toe-to-toe with big schools on NIL money.

In the new transfer portal era, where players have no limits on the number of times they make their move, things have become much easier. Plus, if you get a better NIL, that’s an add-on. And Vick understands why players want to switch, saying, “I’m taking the ‘embrace it approach. I know you’re going to have options if you do what you got to do. You go win the MEAC, and you make First Team, and Clemson comes calling, and they offering you some money.

“I can’t tell you no. They’re offering you some bread. I can’t do that. The only thing I can do is match. The only thing we can do is get in the game.” It’s evident that in recent times, many programs in the HBCU sports or other smaller schools are watching their players go off to bigger programs. But Norfolk State is not backing down in its efforts to maintain its program.

Even before Michael Vick’s involvement, Norfolk State was actively participating in the NIL game. In September, Norfolk State Athletics introduced the Gold Standard Collective, serving as the official NIL hub for Spartan athletes. Powered by Student Athlete NIL (SANIL), this platform helps players develop their personal brands and capitalize on the evolving NIL landscape.

Although not directly affiliated with the school, this collective equips Spartan athletes with the resources to profit from their name and image while they compete. Michael Vick even released a promotional video in support of this initiative. But despite all of that, Michael Vick doesn’t want to limit his players from getting a better opportunity. And sharing his views on that, Vick says, “I would be like a selfish man, that’s selfish. I’ve told a couple of them that, and they’ll be like, ‘Nah, coach, I want to be with you the whole time,’ and I’m like, ‘Alright. Well, when somebody comes and calls you, they get $700,000. Let me see if you want that.'”

And it’s not like Michael Vick sat back and did nothing. Norfolk State’s coach signed 30 new players in February. “We are excited to welcome these 30 student-athletes to Norfolk State University,” Vick said. “We believe that these young men will help build the foundation of Spartan football. I cannot wait to see what they will do in spring practice and during the fall season.” Big additions such as Caleb Turner (safety) and Elijah Simley-Flores (wide receiver) have significantly strengthened the program. Despite these advancements, uncertainties persist regarding Michael Vick’s role within the team.

Michael Vick struggles taking over Norfolk’s head coach job

The controversy surrounding Michael Vick’s hiring at Norfolk State University continues to be a topic of discussion. Vick, who spent 23 months in prison for his involvement in a dogfighting ring deemed “cruel and inhumane” in 2007, faced criticism when he was appointed as the head coach. Despite his troubled past, he made a comeback in the NFL, notably leading the Eagles to a division title in 2010. But, opinions about Vick’s new role at Norfolk State differ. Some view it as evidence of personal growth and redemption, while others are hesitant to accept someone with his history as a mentor to young athletes.

Acknowledging the initial challenges, the former quarterback is still adapting to the university’s environment but is gradually feeling more at ease. With support from his staff and veterans, Michael Vick is embracing his new position and the opportunity to make a positive impact. “This has been fun; to be acclimated and back involved in football, coaching, and having the team that I get to coach for days on end is the most exciting thing that I’ve encountered in a long time since playing the game,” he said during a guest appearance at the MEAC basketball tournament in Scope Arena.

At one point, it seemed impossible to imagine Michael Vick wearing a Norfolk State letterman jacket and leading Spartan chants. Now, he is working hard to revamp the program following a challenging 4-8 season. “We have the opportunity to grow as a team,” Vick said, outlining the team’s limitations. “Unfortunately, everybody can’t make the team. So, it’s going to be competition at the highest level. And, we’ve got to evaluate. But at the same time, we get to finally get a chance to touch on one another, have a chance to hit, and put forth that best effort.”

Now, this spring practice, the real test begins. Can Michael Vick prove his doubters wrong or not? With the NIL and massive competition in the mix, let’s wait and see if that happens anytime soon!