"That's my little homie" - Allen Iverson reflects on relation with 4x Pro Bowler following NFL star's transition to NSU coaching role
Allen Iverson showed support for his friend Michael Vick, who was named the head football coach at Norfolk State University last week. Iverson attended Vick’s introductory press conference and welcomed the former NFL star to the area for his first collegiate head coaching stint.
Iverson spoke highly of the four-time Pro Bowler. The former Philadelphia 76ers great also recounted Vick’s career and personal experiences, which, he said, would make him a good college coach.
“I love him so much. I just know he deserved it. We come from the same area, and we understand each other because we went through similar lives. It’s hard to get away from here, and go to where you want to go in life with all the different distractions, and everything that come with trying to be somebody that you always wanted to be,” Iverson said.
"That's my little homie. I love Mike. We always have a great relationship," he added.
Vick and Iverson grew up together in Norfolk, Virginia. The two went on to become stars in their respective sports. Vick was considered the best dual-threat quarterback in the NFL during his time, while Iverson became a revolutionary player in the NBA during the early 2000s.
Vick was picked first overall in the 2001 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Similarly, Iverson was the top overall selection by the 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft.
After serving 21 months in prison from 2007 to 2009 due to a dog-fighting ring case, Vick returned to the NFL and was named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2010.
Allen Iverson feels great about changing NBA culture during his time
Allen Iverson had a distinct style during his NBA days, turning himself into a character that fans adored throughout the years. In his appearance in the “Knuckleheads" podcast, Iverson looked back at his time in the NBA.
"I took an a*s whooping for it, but it's bittersweet because you see guys now, they come in, and they got their own style," Iverson said. "They feel good they going to hoop so they wanna feel good with what they got on."
"They wanna be fly, you know what I mean? When you look at that, everyone's supposed to not look the same because they don't play the same. Everybody got their own personality," he said.
Despite not winning an NBA title, Iverson was remembered for popularizing numerous hip-hop styles in the league. He was also famous for his crossover dribble, which has since been ever-present in basketball.