NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State University formally introduced Michael Vick as its new head football coach Monday at a press conference on campus.
The Newport News native and Virginia Tech grad became emotional at times as he thanked family, friends, other supporters, and God, who he said all helped him get to this moment.
"Behold!" he began. "You're gonna get used to saying that with authority."
Vick takes over a team that has gone 9-25 since 2022 and was 4-8 this season. Back in November, NSU parted ways with former head coach Dawson Odums and began its search for the program's next head coach.
Watch: Vick talks about his relationship with football in NSU press conference
"Football is in my blood, it's always been in me," he told the crowd. "Football has always been a safe place, that sanctuary. So to be here with you guys, to be here with you to be in this moment... I want to soak it in."
The news of Vick's hiring sparked reactions from both the NSU community and 757 football fans. Green and Gold Nation is hoping the new era with Vick at the realm comes with more consistent success.
State Sen. Aaron Rouse, who Vick thanked in his remarks, said he is "uniquely positioned" to be successful at NSU.
"I want to extend my warm congratulations to Michael Vick on his appointment as the new head coach of the Norfolk State University football team," Rouse said. "This is an exciting day for our community, for NSU, and for the future of Spartan football."
Vick's friend, former NFL star and coach of the Colorado Buffaloes Deion Sanders posted to his X account shortly after the press conference in support of Vick.
Among Vick's supporters in attendance Monday was former NBA star and Hampton native Allen Iverson.
"All my coaching aspirations gonna come through that man right there," Iverson said. "I'm living my dream through him — just like I did with football. It's going to go right through Michael Vick."
Iverson went on to say that Vick's conviction, prison time, and work on redemption since then makes him the best person to teach young men about how to be successful.
