Sports
Michael Vick Returns Home as Norfolk State’s Head Coach in New Docuseries

New York, NY, April 17, 2025 — BET Media Group has announced a new docuseries following football legend Michael Vick as he begins a transformative journey as head coach of Norfolk State University‘s football team. This series marks Vick’s return to BET and his home state of Virginia, where he aims to uplift the HBCU community and inspire a new generation of student-athletes.
Michael Vick’s football legacy is steeped in both triumph and redemption, having electrified fans from his days at Warwick High School and Virginia Tech to his groundbreaking years in the NFL. As the 19th head coach of Norfolk State, Vick embraces a mission that transcends football, focusing on faith, community engagement, and transformative life experiences.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Vick back to BET,” said Tiffany Lea Williams, Executive Vice President of Unscripted Programming and Development at BET Media Group. “Michael brought his first series to our network, and now we’re proud to join forces with him again to tell a powerful new chapter of his story.”
This docuseries will provide an unfiltered perspective on Vick’s initial transition into coaching, showcasing his family values and the challenges he faces in building a football program grounded in hope and dedication. “I know first-hand the power that HBCUs have on a community,” said Michael Strahan, Co-Founder of SMAC Entertainment. “Michael Vick’s commitment to impacting these young men’s lives is so inspiring.”
The series aligns with BET’s #HBweCU initiative, reinforcing the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities as centers for empowerment and cultural excellence.
Meanwhile, on April 12, 2025, former NFL star DeSean Jackson stepped into his role as head coach of Delaware State during the Hornets’ annual spring game. Jackson, who enjoyed a celebrated 15-year career in the NFL, aims to mentor young athletes and bring new energy to a program that finished 2-9 last season.
“We’re not rebuilding. We don’t have time to waste,” Jackson emphasized during the event. His coaching style was on full display as he engaged with players, displaying the same passionate demeanor that made him a fan favorite on the field.
Following Saturday’s scrimmage, Jackson emphasized intent to win immediate championships. “We want to win the MEAC this year,” he asserted, reflecting the urgency to elevate Delaware State’s football status.
A similar HBCU resurgence can be seen with Vick’s hiring at Norfolk State, prompting the rallying of former NFL stars who now serve as mentors for young talent. This trend, which started gaining momentum with coaches like Eddie George at Tennessee State, is indicative of a shift that embraces a culture of excellence among historically Black institutions.
Vick, who made the difficult decision to leave his successful role as an analyst with Fox Sports, expressed the importance of his new role: “This requires a lot of change in lifestyle, but at the same time, it allows me to serve young men in my community.”
This new documentary not only focuses on Vick’s coaching journey but also seeks to highlight the depth of HBCU programming, showcasing the heart, pride, and culture of athletics through the eyes of those who lead it.
With the potential for a fresh era in HBCU football, both Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson are poised to make significant impacts in their respective programs, igniting hope and ambition among the next generation of players.