"Will have tremendous impact": Deion Sanders drops a heartwarming message for Michael Vick as he joins Norfolk State
Throughout the past few years, we have seen an uptick in terms of former college football and NFL players returning to college football and becoming a coach. From Deion Sanders to Steve Sarkisian, there are certainly a growing list of former players returning to coach.
The newest member of that fraternity is former four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick wao was named the coach of the Norfolk State Spartans.
Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders took to social media to praise Michael Vick and claim how he should be a great coach immediately:
"Let’s go baby! We’ve got to support, encourage, assist & show consistent Love to Coach Vick! He’s forever changed to QB position in @cfb @NFL & he will have tremendous impact on Coaching & Leading men to their true destinations. Love ya my brother."
Norfolk State is an HBCU and this will be Vick's first college coaching experience. The program will hope for the bump the Colorado Buffaloes got from Deion Sanders and how Tennessee State improved with former Heisman Trophy-winning running back Eddie George.
How did Michael Vick do in college football as a player?
Michael Vick was one of the most electrifying and dynamic players in college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He was named the 1999 Big East Offensive Player of the Year and third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He only played two seasons and significantly impacted the game as soon as he stepped on the field.
He finished his collegiate career completing 177-of-313 (56.5%) of his passes for 3,074 yards with 20 passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions. However, it was his dual-threat ability that made him so dominant. He was like an additional running back on the field as well with 212 carries for 1,202 yards (5.7 yards per attempt) and 16 rushing touchdowns in 20 games.
How did Norfolk State fare this season?
The Norfolk State Spartans are in a bit of a weird position as the school is coming off a 4-8 season, including going 2-3 in MEAC play. The program has some exciting players, specifically on the offensive side of the football, and should be able to draw more eyes and interest in the NCAA Transfer Portal with Michael Vick now being named as coach.
It will be interesting to see how he fares as a first-time coach in college football.