Norfolk State reportedly interviewed former NFL wide receiver Michael Vick about its future head football coach.
The The Virginian-Pilot reported On Monday, Vick, 44, who spent 18 months in prison for dog fighting at the height of his career, told the newspaper that he had spoken to university president Javaune Adams-Gaston and athletic director Melody Webb about the position and expected a termination “soon.” . “
Norfolk State fired coach Dawson Odums in November after a 4-8 season. In Vick’s case, the Spartans would get a coach with no experience, but one who would redefine the quarterback position for Virginia Tech and the Atlanta Falcons by combining a powerful throwing arm with deft feet and speed.
“I know how to lead and I know what it takes,” Vick told the newspaper.
Vick led the Hokies to the 1999 national title game, where they lost to Florida State 46-29. The Falcons made him the first black quarterback to be selected No. 1 in the 2001 NFL Draft.
He said the HBCU school contacted him about the position.
Norfolk State did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
Vick was released from federal prison in 2009 after pleading guilty and serving time for his role in organizing dogfighting. The case upended his fame on the pitch at a time when he was the poster child of modern football. Vick returned after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, but his best years were already behind him. He officially retired from the league in 2017, and supporting the fight against animal cruelty became part of his mission.
Since retiring, he has been an NFL analyst for Fox Sports.
Vick’s hometown of Newport News, Virginia, is located near the Norfolk State campus.
