Michael Vick is used to being in the spotlight. The football legend brings that spotlight to Norfolk State, and the HBCU football world is ready. Vick’s debut as head football coach at Norfolk State University is officially scheduled for Thursday, August 28, at 7 p.m., and it will be broadcast nationally on the ESPN family of networks. The exact channel designation will be revealed later, but one thing is already clear. This game is one of the most anticipated HBCU football openers in recent memory.
The Spartans will take on Towson in a Thursday night showdown at William “Dick” Price Stadium, marking NSU’s first home night game since 2021 and its first mid-week home game in over a decade. But this isn’t just about a matchup—it’s about a moment. The beginning of the Michael Vick era.
The Journey: From NFL Star to HBCU Coach
Vick isn’t just another former pro taking a shot at coaching. He’s one of the most influential quarterbacks of the 21st century. A Virginia native, Vick changed the game at Virginia Tech before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. His years with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles redefined what a dual-threat QB could be, becoming a cultural icon on and off the field.
Since retiring, Vick has gradually stepped into coaching, first through private QB development and mentorship. But earlier this year, he shocked the football world by taking the helm at Norfolk State, an HBCU just miles from where he first made his name.
National Buzz, BET Cameras, and Soaring Ticket Prices
Vick’s arrival has sparked unprecedented excitement at Norfolk State and across the HBCU sports landscape.
BET has greenlit a docuseries chronicling his first season. The series will give fans inside access to his coaching style, player interactions, and personal reflections as he transitions into this new role, instantly elevating NSU’s national profile.
But the buzz hasn’t just been media hype—it’s hitting fans’ wallets, too.
Norfolk State ticket prices have jumped dramatically since Vick’s hiring. The average get-in price for home games has doubled, with secondary market listings for the Towson game already pushing past $100 in some sections.
The Matchup: Norfolk State vs. Towson
The season opener against Towson has more than historical significance. Over the past few seasons, the two teams have built a quiet regional rivalry.
Norfolk State beat Towson 21-14 on the road in 2023 in a rain-soaked grinder that showcased NSU’s grit. But in 2024, Towson edged out a 28-23 win in Norfolk; a loss still stings for the Spartans. With ESPN cameras rolling and the Vick spotlight shining, revenge could be sweet—and symbolic.
A New Era Under the Lights
This won’t be just another Thursday night kickoff—it’s a statement. It’s a moment where HBCU football, Norfolk State, and Michael Vick will converge.
Single-game tickets went on sale to NSU season ticket holders and Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation members on July 1, with general public access beginning July 14. However, if current trends continue, that window may be short-lived, especially with ESPN involved and Vick fever in full effect.
Whether you’re watching from the stands or tuning in nationally, one thing’s for sure: Michael Vick’s coaching career is kicking off in primetime—and the football world is here for it.