Michael Vick is no stranger to big stages.
On Thursday night, he’ll step onto yet a big stage in a transformational role – head coach of the Norfolk State football team.
The Spartans will host Towson Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPNU in Vick’s coaching debut.
“It’s football; same rules, same goals. But now, I hand over the keys,” Vick said during Monday’s MEAC Coaches’ Conference. “The players have to go out there and prove it. We’ve prepared them to go make a statement.”
Vick plans to reshape the Norfolk State program by instilling faith in each other as the Spartans hope to rebound from a 4-8 performance in 2024.
“We go by the mantra ‘I trust,’” Vick said. “Our players trust our staff, and that’s the foundation we’re building on.”
The Spartans also return key offensive talent, led by first-team All-MEAC running back Kevon King and an emerging wide receiver corps that Vick believes will be central to the new offensive identity.
“Kevon’s got great vision, explosive speed. He’s slippery,” Vick said. “But nothing happens if we can’t control the trenches. It starts up front.”
Vick mentioned quarterbacks Israel Carter and Otto Kuhns as both being in contention for the starting job ahead of Thursday’s game.
“Israel’s made his share of mistakes, but he bounces back,” Vick said. “Quarterbacking is about consistency and decision-making. We’ve got a room full of guys pushing each other, and that’s exactly what you want.”
Whoever starts, they’ll be going up against a Towson team that has size on both lines.
“They’re big up front, very disciplined,” Vick said. “You’ve got to earn every blade of grass against them. But we’ve been preparing for this moment since January.”
Vick’s journey from the field to the sidelines brings with it lessons from some of the game’s most respected coaches, including his high school coach Tommy Reamon and NFL mentor Andy Reid. But it’s the simple message from Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer that sticks with him the most.
“Coach Beamer always said, ‘Do things the right way,’” Vick recalled. “That’s what I preach to these guys. It’s bigger than football.”
Despite the attention and expectations, Vick remains focused on the process.
“There’s good anxiety, yeah. But it’s excitement more than anything,” he said. “They’re ready to put on for this program, and I’m ready to run out that tunnel with them.”
Kickoff between Norfolk State and Towson is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Thursday on ESPNU.
