*Michael Vick is stepping into a new chapter as the head football coach at Norfolk State.
The Newport News native understands the uphill battle smaller programs face in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, and he’s already made it clear—his players’ futures come first, even if that means losing talent to bigger schools, according to Brobible.com. The Spartans have struggled in recent years, managing just nine wins over the last three seasons.
“It’s about winning,” Vick said. “That’s what I’m all about in every phase of life.”
The former NFL star added, “You gotta prepare and push yourself to be the best version of yourself that you can be.”
To spark a turnaround, Vick overhauled the roster, retaining core offensive players, including both starting running backs and most receivers, while bringing in 22 transfers (14 on defense) and eight freshmen.
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The wait is over ?
Our 2025 schedule is here!
? https://t.co/iKRSMDRQeR#GoldStandard? pic.twitter.com/pRRkuWLWYT
— Norfolk State Football ? (@NorfolkStateFB) April 1, 2025
On Da Get Got Podcast with Marshawn Lynch, Vick spoke candidly about the NIL landscape: “I’m taking the embrace-it approach. If you go win the MEAC and make First Team and Clemson comes calling with money—I can’t tell you no. I can’t match that. The only thing we can do is try to get in the game.”
Rather than resisting NIL realities, Vick encourages his players to seize big opportunities. When some expressed loyalty, saying they wanted to stay, he told them, “Alright. Well, when somebody comes and calls you, they get $700,000. Let me see if you want that.”
Vick was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft and played 13 seasons in the league. After serving nearly two years in prison for his role in an illegal dogfighting ring, he returned to play for the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers, officially retiring in 2017.
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READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: It’s Official: Former NFL star Michael Vick Hired by Norfolk State on Friday As it’s New Head Coach | WATCH
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