With shouts of “Coach” and “Let’s go Spartans,” Michael Vick was launched Monday as Norfolk State’s soccer coach, a homecoming for the previous NFL star and a splashy, eye-catching rent for a program that has struggled lately.
Vick, who grew up about half-hour away in Newport News, donned a Norfolk State letterman’s jacket and cap in entrance of a crowd of supporters that included fellow Hampton Roads, Va., sports activities greats Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith.
Vick’s introduction was the end result of a whirlwind courtship, the timing of which took even Vick unexpectedly.
“I used to be speaking to my highschool coach a few weeks in the past and instructed him I needed to be a soccer coach sooner or later, in a few years,” he stated.
Vick stated he then acquired a shock name from former Virginia Tech soccer participant Aaron Rouse, who’s now a Virginia state senator, and Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb, gauging his curiosity in turning into l coach of the Spartans.
“It wasn’t the simplest determination to make,” Vick stated. “I’ve a household that I worth, that I care about, and that I really like. That requires lots of way of life modifications. But on the similar time, it permits me to serve the youth in my neighborhood.”
(Read extra: Michael Vick is getting ready to embark on a brand new teaching journey at Norfolk State)
Vick led Virginia Tech to the nationwide championship recreation as a redshirt freshman and was chosen first general within the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. A 3-time Pro Bowl choose in six seasons in Atlanta, he revolutionized the quarterback place along with his dynamic working capability.
Vick’s profession was derailed by his conviction in 2007 for his involvement in a canine combating ring. He pleaded responsible and served 21 months in federal jail earlier than resuming his profession in 2009. He retired in 2017 and labored as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports and as an animal rights activist.
Vick’s authorized troubles weren’t talked about Monday, besides not directly by Webb, who praised his capability to “encourage and overcome challenges” and stated it aligns with the values the college needs to instill in its students- athletes.
“His journey is considered one of resilience, redemption and an unwavering dedication to progress,” Webb stated.
Vick has no teaching expertise and is the most recent former NFL star who has by no means coached earlier than to take the helm of an HBCU program, a membership that features Deion Sanders and Eddie George.
Norfolk State has made only one playoff look since shifting to the FCS in 1997. The Spartan’s final 5 coaches have had dropping information, together with Dawson Odoms, who was fired in November after going 15-30 in 4 seasons.
School officers, nonetheless, hailed Vick’s hiring as a sea change. Webb stated Vick’s title “resonates around the globe.”
Dean Kim Brown added, “Today we flip the nook and embrace a brand new season for our soccer program.”
For his half, Vick stated he will not really feel wanting work and can recruit arduous in his house area, which has all the time been a hotbed of expertise. He stated he attended Norfolk State video games whereas taking part in youth soccer in Newport News and has adopted this system through the years.
“There’s lots of strain being in your hometown,” he stated. “I’ve all the time favored him.”
Associated Press reporting.
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