Michael Vick can officially check off his first win as a college head coach. The former NFL superstar led Norfolk State to a dramatic 34-31 overtime victory against Virginia State on Saturday, marking a milestone moment in his second game at the helm of the Spartans.
It didn’t come easy. Norfolk State entered the fourth quarter trailing 23-7 and later found itself down 31-24 with just over two minutes to play. But the Spartans rallied, forcing overtime after Virginia State’s potential game-winning field goal attempt clanged off the crossbar.
Norfolk State seized the opportunity in the extra frame, punching in the game-winner to complete the comeback.
The win evens Vick’s record at 1-1 after a season-opening loss to Towson.
For Vick, who took the Norfolk State job last December, the win is symbolic of a fresh start. The former No. 1 overall pick spent 13 seasons in the NFL, rewriting the playbook for mobile quarterbacks with the Atlanta Falcons and later reviving his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
But his playing days were overshadowed by the dogfighting scandal that led to prison time and a long road back to public redemption.
Since retiring, Vick worked as an analyst at Fox before making the jump to coaching. Leading his alma mater’s in-state HBCU program represents both a challenge and an opportunity to build something lasting.
For the Spartans, it’s a small step forward. For Michael Vick, it’s a reminder that the coaching journey, like his playing career, won’t be without its thrilling comebacks.
Photo Credit: Instagram – MikeVick
