Michael Vick has gone from calling things under center as a quarterback, to calling games from the sidelines as a head coach. The Newport News, Va., native, whose electrifying career began just down the road, is now leading the Norfolk State Spartans onto the field, marking a new chapter for the program and the return of a local legend to the Hampton Roads community that shaped him.
Vick's presence is also shining a national spotlight on the HBCU program, with ESPN's First Take broadcasting live from campus ahead of Vick's debut on the sidelines.
His dynamic play style, characterized by a cannon for an arm and unparalleled athleticism, revolutionized the quarterback position and captivated college football. His return to the Hampton Roads area to lead Norfolk State marks the closing of a full circle, bringing one of the region's most celebrated athletic figures back to his roots to mentor the next generation of football players.
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Where is Michael Vick's hometown?
Michael Vick's connection to the Hampton Roads area runs deep, as he grew up in Newport News, Va. He attended Warwick High School, where he was a three-year starter and quickly became a local sensation. Under the guidance of his coach, Tommy Reamon, Vick displayed the explosive dual-threat talent that would later define his career.
Here's a look at his stats while at Warwick:
- Passing yards: 4,846
- Passing TDs: 43
- Rushing yards: 1,048
- Rushing TDs: 18
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Where did Michael Vick go to college?
After an electrifying high school career, Vick's talent earned him a scholarship to Virginia Tech, where his legendary status only grew. As a redshirt freshman, he burst onto the national scene, leading the Hokies to a perfect 11-0 regular season and their first-ever National Championship appearance in the 2000 Sugar Bowl. Vick finished third in Heisman voting and set an NCAA record for a freshman with a passing efficiency rating of 180.4.
While at Virginia Tech, Vick posted:
- Passing yards: 3,279
- Passing TDs: 21
- Interceptions: 12
- Rushing yards: 1,216
- Rushing TDs: 17
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Michael Vick college stats
Here's a breakdown of Vick's regular season stats in two years as a starter, per sportsreference.com:
| Season | Games | Completion % | Passing yards | Passing TDs | INTs | Rushing yards | Rushing TDs |
| 1999 | 10 | 59.2% | 1,840 | 12 | 5 | 585 | 8 |
| 2000 | 10 | 54% | 1,234 | 8 | 6 | 617 | 8 |
Vick's highlight-reel plays, a combination of a powerful arm and electrifying speed, made him a must-watch player and earned him the ESPY for the nation's top college football player. He concluded his collegiate career with a 22-2 overall record as the starter before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, cementing his place in college football history. He was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.
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Before being selected No. 1 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, Vick stacked up accolades and honors throughout his time at Virginia Tech:
- 1999 Archie Griffin Award (Inaugural Winner)
- 1999 ESPY Award for the nation's top college football player
- 1999 Big East Offensive Player of the Year
- 1999 Big East Rookie of the Year
- 1999 First-team All-American
- 1999 third place in Heisman voting, highest placement for a freshman ever
- 2000 Gator Bowl MVP
- 2000 Second-team All-Big East
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