American football-Former NFL quarterback Vick named head coach at Norfolk State

By Frank Pingue

(Reuters) – Michael Vick, the former NFL quarterback whose involvement in a dogfighting ring halted an electrifying career in its prime, has been named head coach of Norfolk State University’s football program, the school said on Friday.

Vick, a former first overall draft pick who last suited up for a National Football League game in 2015, received unanimous approval from the Board of Visitors of the Virginia-based university to become the team’s 19th head coach.

Vick replaced Dawson Odums, who was fired in November by Norfolk State, the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia, after a 4-8 season.

“I am blessed and humbled by this opportunity to lead, mentor, and transform the football program at Norfolk State University,” Vick, 44, said in a statement.

“A prestigious HBCU with a rich athletics history, NSU provides a tremendous environment for students to reach their full potential on the field and just as importantly, in the classroom.

“I am honored to join the Norfolk State family and welcome your support as we embark on this journey together.”

Vick was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the first pick of the 2001 NFL Draft, making him the first Black quarterback to be taken with the top pick, and he went on to dazzle fans with his breakaway running speed and powerful passing arm.

A standout in Atlanta for most of his six seasons with the Falcons, Vick pleaded guilty in 2007 and apologized for his role in an illegal dogfighting enterprise known as “Bad Newz Kennels” which ultimately led him to spend nearly two years in prison.

Vick returned in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles where he served as a seldom-used backup but took over the starting role the next season and was at his best en route to being named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection.

After five seasons with Philadelphia, Vick became a backup for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in his final two NFL seasons.

Vick officially retired in 2017 after having passed for 22,464 yards and 133 touchdowns during 13 NFL seasons and his 6,109 career rushing yards remain the most by a quarterback.

“From humble beginnings to massive stardom, we hope that his story will translate to student-athletes here at Norfolk State,” said NSU Director of Athletics Melody Webb.

“I am confident that our football program will establish sustainable recruiting pipelines in the state of Virginia and across the country with this hire.”

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond)