Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick has been appointed as the new head football coach at Norfolk State University. He was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia, and played college football at Virginia Tech. In 2001, Vick made history by becoming the first black quarterback selected as the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, chosen by the Atlanta Falcons. He went on to become a four-time NFL Pro Bowler. In 2005, Michael Vick made headlines once again when he signed a ten-year, $130 million contract with the Falcons.

However, in 2007, Vick was convicted for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring and was sentenced to federal prison, where he spent 21 months. In 2009, Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and had his greatest statistical season in 2010, leading the Eagles to a division title and earning the “Comeback Player of the Year” award, along with his fourth Pro Bowl appearance. Vick also played for the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017.

Vick is now tasked with revitalizing a historically struggling football program. Norfolk State transitioned to Division I in 1997 but didn’t achieve its first winning season until 2007. The Spartans found success from 2009 to 2011, posting winning seasons and playoff appearances, but those achievements were later vacated by the NCAA due to the use of ineligible players.

Now, Vick will lead a team that has gone 9-25 since 2022. He is expected to transform the struggling program, similar to what other former NFL players, such as Deion Sanders and Eddie George, have accomplished in the past.