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Michael Vick, Norfolk St. Head Coach: Anchored by Psalm 23

Michael Vick, Norfolk St. Head Coach: Anchored by Psalm 23

Last updated on: August 26, 2026 at 9:00 am by Electi A Deo

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Michael Vick, Norfolk St. Head Coach: Anchored by Psalm 23 2026-08-25T09:14:25-04:00 Electi A Deo

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Michael Vick Norfolk State Head Coach standing on the sidelines.

Michael Vick, Norfolk State Head Coach, standing on the sidelines. Photo credit: MB Shuler72 via Wikimedia Commons.

Michael Vick, An Electrifying Play-Maker

What’s the Secret to His Success?

Michael Vick is one of the most electric athletes to pick up a football. Whether making plays at the collegiate level or in the National Football League (NFL), he was must-watch television.

But what’s the secret behind him reaching the heights of professional success and fame that many can only dream about? What experiences have refined his faith in God while molding him to lead young men as a head coach?

I’ll answer these questions by sharing Michael Vick’s upbringing and Psalm 23’s role in his relationship with the Lord. I’ll also highlight his early career success, transgressions, and life after restoration.

“Ookie” From Newport News, Virginia

Michael Vick’s Parents & Siblings

Michael Dwayne Vick was born on June 26, 1980, in Newport News, Virginia. He is the oldest son of Michael Broddie and Brenda Vick.

The couple also has two daughters, Christina and Courtney, and their youngest son, Marcus. Interestingly, his parents were unmarried young teenagers when they had Michael and his siblings.

That said, they were able to provide for them with his mother, Brenda, working multiple jobs and receiving public assistance. His father, Michael, also worked as a sand blaster and spray painter at shipyards.

Surviving Ridley Court

Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t prevent the realities of their environment. They grew up in the Ridley Court housing projects. This housing development, along with Newport News, VA as a whole, was known for being a hotbed for crime and drugs.

In fact, Vick’s father was involved in the streets and drugs, but provided for his children financially. Michael also lost a childhood friend to gun violence.

Despite the realities of his environment, Ookie (Michael’s childhood nickname) stayed away from the vices that lured many youth in Newport News. He admits he wreaked havoc at home and took whoopings when his mother deemed it necessary. He credits two outlets with shielding him from his environment, starting with football.

Michael began taking an interest in the sport after watching his Grandmother Theresa’s favorite team, the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), one Sunday. From then on, he knew he wanted to play football. His grandmother encouraged him to learn how to play, face adversity, and take his education seriously to achieve this dream.

Michael heeded her advice, following in the footsteps of his older cousin, Aaron Brooks, who’d become the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.

In an interview with The Pivot, Michael acknowledges football helped him become a visionary, with his focus on the future. He and his brother Marcus would practice, watch, and often talk about playing professionally.

Michael Vick Meditates on Psalm 23 & Jeremiah 29:11

While the goal of playing in the NFL fueled Michael’s work ethic, he understood it would be impossible without God. Michael’s wisdom comes from occasionally attending Solid Rock Church with his grandmother, Theresa.

By doing so, Michael begins to develop a curiosity about God and the Christian faith. At the age of 12, he satisfies this curiosity by taking the initiative to read the Bible on his own.

Michael admits that his age and lack of guidance made it difficult to understand Scripture. That said, he knew enough to pray Psalm 23 regularly, learning the Lord is his shepherd, so he shall not want (Psalm 23:1, King James Version).

Along with meditating on David’s words, Theresa also encouraged Michael to memorize Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11, King James Version).

Jeremiah 29:11 is Michael’s favorite verse, which he often thought about while sleeping with a Bible under his pillow. This gesture symbolizes a faith-filled foundation that would anchor his life through his teenage and young adult years.

Michael Vick’s Faith Rewarded & Abandoned?

High School & College Accolades

Michael begins to reap the rewards of seeking God and establishing a faith-filled foundation through success on the football field. He began his intercollegiate career at Ferguson High School, obtaining a 10-10 record before transferring to Warwick High School after his sophomore season.

As a student at Warwick High School, Michael throws for 4,846 yards and 43 touchdowns. He also runs for 1,048 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading Warwick to a 13-7 record through two seasons. Though successful, Michael wishes he could’ve competed for the Virginia State playoffs.

That said, he plays the game well enough to earn a scholarship to Virginia Tech University. Through two seasons, Michael plays in 20 games and earns the following stats

Completing 177/313 passes for a 56.5% completion rate.
Throwing for 3,074 yards with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Rushing for 1, 202 yards and 16 touchdowns on 212 attempts.

Thanks to these stats, Michael led the Hookies to an 11-1 record in both 1999 and 2000. As a result, he earned the following accolades

Appearing in the 2000 Sugar Bowl (losing to Florida State University).
Becoming a 1999 First Team All-American
Becoming the 1999 Heisman Trophy runner-up.
Earning the 2000 Big East Offensive Player of the Year award.
Winning against Clemson University 41-20 in the 2001 Gator Bowl.

In addition to winning the Gator Bowl, there’s another fond memory about Michael’s college days worth mentioning. He enjoyed attending English classes instructed by esteemed poet and author Nikki Giovanni, who taught at Virginia Tech for 35 years.

Michael Vick Soars High with the Atlanta Falcons

After two seasons with the Hokies, Michael decided to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons made his dream a reality, selecting him as the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft.

In six seasons with the Falcons, Michael acquired the following stats through 74 games by

Completing 930/1,730 passes with a 53.8% completion rate.
Throwing for 11,505 yards and 71 touchdowns.
Running for 3,859 yards and 21 touchdowns on 529 attempts.

Michael’s thrilling running and passing style gave the Falcons a 39-33-1 season record and a 2-2 playoff record. He also helped the Falcons win the 2004 NFC South Division title.

Individually, his electric style allowed him to

Appear on the cover of Madden 2004 with a 95 overall rating.
Become a 3-time Pro Bowler.
Hold the single-game QB rushing record with 173 yards (against the Minnesota Vikings on December 1, 2004).
Hold the single-season QB rushing record with 6, 109 yards (Lamar Jackson broke it in 2024).
Earn the highest-paying rookie contract (at that time) worth $62 million over 6 years with $15.3 million guaranteed.
Earn the highest-paying contract extension worth $130 million with $37 million guaranteed.

Michael’s contract extension made him the highest-paid NFL player in 2004. On top of all that, he signed a shoe deal with Nike and had a commercial called the ” Nike Gridiron Michael Vick Experience.”

Michael Vick Falls Prey to Transgressions

While commercials, shoe endorsements, and football success marked Michael’s public life in the mid-2000s, he was faltering in private.

April 25, 2007, his private transgressions were brought to light. Police discovered evidence of dog fighting after raiding a home he owns for a separate matter that did not involve him.

At first, he denied any wrongdoing and assured everyone he was innocent. However, after others involved in the crime testified against him, he had to admit his transgressions.

Consequently, on December 10, 2007, he was sentenced to 23 months in prison for dog fighting and other charges related to the crime. In a year, Michaels went from being arguably the most polarizing player in the NFL to the most hated.

Along with being incarcerated and destroying his public image, he also

Lost millions of dollars.
Hurt his family, girlfriend, and children.
Lost the NFL’s & the Falcons’ trust.

Michael admits hurting his family and the new realities of being in prison were the worst parts of the situation.

Michael Vick Accepts Accountability and Restoration

Walking Through the Darkest Valley

So how does an NFL sensation hit rock bottom? Michael admits participating in dog fighting was an outlet to cope with the unhappiness he was experiencing. He also acknowledges that this emptiness comes from straying away from the true source of his delight, God.

Though he possessed the wealth and fame anyone would desire, they couldn’t medicate his frustrations. In fact, these goods became idols that hardened his heart. Therefore, he couldn’t heed his mother’s and friends’ warnings about dog fighting.

So instead of offering comfort, the Lord, like any good shepherd, used his staff to discipline his lost sheep.

Though this valley of the shadow of death was painful, Michael still experienced God’s presence through key lessons he learned for 548 days. He learned

Wisdom by reading numerous books, like Malcolm X did when incarcerated.
To value friendships by building community with fellow inmates.
Repentance by returning to God through prayer and daily scripture reading.
Humility by mopping the prison floors at night.
Discipleship as Tony Dungy visited him in prison, helping rebuild his faith and character.
Accountability by taking responsibility for his transgressions.

Michael Vick’s Life & Soul Restored

Accountability and discipleship helped Michael endure the worst days of his life. But once free, he had to do more to prove his repentance.

So, he began serving with The Humane Society as an advocate against dog fighting. He also started speaking to youth about the dangers of the crime and the importance of caring for animals.

Along with advocating for animals, Michael Vick continued communicating with Tony Dungy. Tony vouched for his transformation, and the NFL was willing to give him a second chance.

This chance proved the Lord restores the souls of those who surrender to his leading (Psalm 23:3). Michael made the most of the moment, becoming the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’d post impressive stats with the team and ended his career with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Since then, he’s also been inducted into four football halls of fame.

Restoration also occurs in his family life. He married his girlfriend, Kijafa, and vowed to be a better father to his four children: Montez, Jaden, London, and Mike Jr.

After retiring from the NFL in 2017, he spent eight years working in media.

Can Coach Vick Lead the Spartans to Success?

While Michael loves talking about football, his passion is coaching. So, he served as a youth football coach before interning with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thanks to that internship, Michael earned a head coaching job with the Norfolk State Spartans. He credits Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid for believing in him and approaches the game with a similar philosophy.

However, his philosophy hasn’t translated to wins, with a 1-11 record after his initial season. Now he must use the 2026 season to continue molding college athletes and building the program. He must also answer the question: can Coach Vick lead the Spartans to success?

He’ll do just fine as long as he continues to follow the Good Shepherd, who’ll lead him to the paths of righteousness for his namesake (Psalm 23:3).

Thank You!

Thank you for reading the latest post from the Electi A Deo Experience! Feel free to leave a comment and share this article with someone you know. Be blessed and have a great day!

Sports and Religion

Atlanta Falcons

Michael Vick

Norfolk State Spartans

Psalm 23

Repentance and Redemption

Virginia Tech Hokies

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