Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick is about to walk out of the tunnel at Dick Price Stadium for the first time. He admits that it will feel somewhat like stepping onto the field as a freshman all over again.
“Of course I’ve thought about it. Plenty of times. Since the spring. Since I took the job,” Vick said ahead of Thursday night’s opener against Towson that airs on ESPNU. “It reminds me of my first game as a freshman in college, [I had] the good anxiety. Excited for [the players], excited for how hard they worked, meeting challenges at every turn. Now I get to watch them and coach them at the same time.”
Almost that time! You ready? ⏱️🏈
There’s still time to grab your tickets!#GoldStandard🔰 pic.twitter.com/yUi6mWPjQB
— Norfolk State Football 🔰 (@NorfolkStateFB) August 26, 2025
That emotion is tied to the work he’s put in reshaping the Spartans’ roster and culture. Vick emphasized that Norfolk State’s new identity comes from mixing recruits with returners and demanding accountability at every level.
“With the influx of guys we brought in, on top of the guys we had, I feel like we’ve built a very tough football team,” Vick said. “It was a group that came together, understood the task, and knew everything mattered. The product we put on the field is a reflection of our weekly work. Everybody’s excited. No shortcuts.”
Part of that transformation also came from the staff hires. The head coach brought in former NFL players Elton Brown and LaRoy Reynolds to bolster credibility and connect with the locker room. “When you’re building a staff, you want guys who can represent what players aspire to be and influence them,” Vick said. “Our mantra is trust. I trust those guys, and I think our young men can trust them too.”
As kickoff approaches, Vick is balancing anticipation with composure. “Like I told the guys yesterday, we’re handing over the keys…coaches can’t help once the game starts. It’s up to them.”
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
