Michael Vick Got Emotional On FOX's NFL Kickoff On Sunday
12/22/2024 07:10 PM
Michael Vick is wrapping up his FOX Sports job before beginning a big career change.
Norfolk State hired Vick as its next football head coach earlier this week. The former NFL quarterback landed his first head coaching opportunity at any level.
Vick will first conclude the 2024 NFL season on FOX NFL Kickoff. The crew celebrated his new gig on Sunday.
To start the Week 16 show, Charissa Thompson, Charles Woodson, and Julian Edelman all put on Spartans hats. Thompson declared that they're "also committing to Norfolk State."
"Mike, we are so, so, so happy for you," Thompson said. "It comes with mixed emotions, as we love you so much, and we don't want you to leave us."
Vick teared up before addressing the end of his FOX Sports tenure.
"I love you guys," Vick said. "I love everybody in this building, and this administration has been amazing to me. It wasn't easy."
"When you got a chance to go lead young men in your community, where I grew up watching this team...I got what it takes."
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 22, 2024
We want to congratulate our guy @MichaelVick on being named the new head coach of Norfolk State 👏🫶 pic.twitter.com/kAUk6ZtfyA
Vick called the move "bittersweet," saying he couldn't pass up the opportunity to "go lead young men" in his home state of Virginia. The 44-year-old also ensured viewers that he's "got what it takes" to succeed despite his limited coaching experience.
"I got all the people, the right people, around me, and I'm ready to embark on a new journey," Vick continued. "So I know y'all will be right there with me. This will forever be home, and I'll never forget you guys."
Later in the show, Jimmy Johnson gave Vick some coaching advice. Johnson, who spent nine years coaching Oklahoma State and Miami before leading the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles, explained that recruiting is paramount in college. He then offered his second pointer.
"Keep it simple," Johnson told Vick. "Because you're going to have a lot of changes with your players, a lot of changes with your staff. Keep it simple. Success is who makes the fewest mistakes, not who makes the most great plays."
Johnson also urged Vick to be a leader by interacting with everybody in the building.
Vick takes over a Norfolk State team that fired Dawson Odums after a 4-8 season. He'll look to follow Deion Sanders and Eddie George as the latest former NFL star to find coaching success with an HBCU program.
Related: Michael Vick Shares Classy Message After Becoming College Football Coach
