It was a close call, but former college football and NFL star turned Norfolk State coach Michael Vick earned his first win as a coach on Saturday vs. Division II opponent Virginia State.
Entering the fourth quarter, Vick's Spartans were down 23-7. Norfolk State then scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 31. Virginia State had a chance to seal the win at the end of regulation with a field goal attempt, but missed and forced overtime. Spartans kicker Evan Helfrich notched a 29-yard field goal in OT to officially help capture Vick's first victory as head coach.
Vick was understandably elated after the game, using his press conference to express his gratitude for the role and his Norfolk State squad.
"I just love what I'm doing," Vick said. "I love being around these guys every day. I love coming in and trying to find ways to motivate them, push them to become better players, better men. That's our moment. ... That's what opportunity we have together to do something special we feel is going to continue to add up to. We'll take it one game at a time and one day at a time, and enjoy this."
"I just love what I'm doing... That's our moment"
— James Kattato (@jckattato) September 7, 2025
Michael Vick reflects on his first win as the Head Coach of Norfolk State after the Spartans take down Virginia State 34-31 in Overtime @WAVY_News @HbcuPass pic.twitter.com/qjBSw45AYc
The Norfolk State football team posted a video of Vick receiving the game ball in the locker room after the win. His squad cheered and whistled at him during the celebration. He gave a quick motivational speech to his Spartans in the clip.
"It means the world to me," Vick repeated.
First of many 🔰#GoldStandard🔰 pic.twitter.com/6gq839CHRq
— Norfolk State Football 🔰 (@NorfolkStateFB) September 7, 2025
Vick and the Spartans will face Rutgers on Saturday, Sept. 13.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Michael Vick Captured His First Win As Coach of Norfolk State.