Michael Vick Embraces Honesty About Past Failures to Guide Norfolk State

The former NFL star is candid with his players about his life struggles to build trust and inspire growth.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented, overlapping forms of football players in motion, capturing the raw energy and intensity of the sport.Michael Vick's candid approach to coaching aims to inspire his players through his own personal struggles and redemption.Norfolk Today

In his second year as the head coach of Norfolk State, Michael Vick is using his personal experiences, including his federal conviction for an illegal dog-fighting operation and inconsistent preparation during his NFL career, to connect with his players and create a culture of trust and accountability. Vick believes that by being open about his own mistakes, he can teach his players valuable lessons and help them succeed on and off the field.

Why it matters

Vick's willingness to be vulnerable and transparent about his past failures sets an example for his players and shows that even those who have made major mistakes can still find a path to redemption and success. This approach can help build trust and foster an environment where players feel comfortable being honest and open with their coach.

The details

Vick joined the 'Pate State Speaker Series' this week, where he said he is 100% candid with his players about his life and the challenges he has faced. He believes that by sharing his own struggles, he creates a safe space for his players to be vulnerable and honest with him in return. Vick's past includes a federal conviction for an illegal dog-fighting operation, which resulted in a loss of over $100 million in contracts and endorsements, as well as admissions that inconsistency in preparation held him and his NFL teams back.

  • Vick is heading into his second year as Norfolk State's head coach after the Spartans endured a 1-11 season in 2025.
  • Norfolk State will start the 2026 season against Winston-Salem State on August 29.

The players

Michael Vick

The head coach of Norfolk State University's football team, who is using his personal experiences, including his federal conviction for an illegal dog-fighting operation and inconsistent preparation during his NFL career, to connect with his players and create a culture of trust and accountability.

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What they’re saying

“Our conversations could be cordial and genuine. And I'm getting to know you and getting to like you, or maybe creating an opinion about you, you know, that conversation, but at the end of the day, I'm hoping that they ask me questions. I'm hoping they inquire about what I might have been through or what they might have seen me go through.”

— Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State University

“It's unfortunate that some of those things happen. But God chose me to be like a beacon of success for what success can look like. If it ever goes, you know, in the opposite direction in the direction you don't want it to go in. So, I just use that as an opportunity to make people better.”

— Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State University

What’s next

As Norfolk State gears up for the 2026 season, starting against Winston-Salem State on August 29, Vick is betting on a culture of trust to turn the Spartans' fortunes around.

The takeaway

Vick's willingness to be open about his past mistakes and struggles shows his players that even those who have made major missteps can still find success. This approach can help build trust and foster an environment where players feel comfortable being honest and open with their coach, which can lead to personal growth and on-field improvement for the Norfolk State program.