With the 2025 football season fast approaching, Norfolk State finished its spring season with their annual Spring Ball scrimmage on April 19th at William “Dick” Price Stadium. The match signaled the start of a new era for the program as newly appointed head coach, Mike Vick, made his first game appearance on the Spartans’ sideline.
“It’s a weight off of my shoulders just to get through the spring. Going through winter workouts, getting here, getting to know the guys, getting to understand what it takes to get to this point, and putting my coaches hat on each and every day,” said Vick. “It’s really been a great spring for us and I’m pleased with the turnout.”
The Spring Ball scrimmage served as a first look at the foundation Mike Vick is building heading into the 2025 season. Spartans ran through a mix of position drills, seven-on-seven matchups, one-on-one battles, and full-team live periods—offering fans an early glimpse of the team’s progress and Vick’s hands-on coaching style. It was a sneak peek at both the energy he brings to the sideline and what Spartan football could look like this fall.
“We try to treat everything like game day, but it’s nothing like gameday in a sense, so it just gives you chills,” said transfer player from Delaware State, Kahleef Jimmison. “Everything was an evaluation — just trying to stay on our stuff at the end of the day. Vick’s looking at the little things; he’s also being a ‘players coach’, so it was helping us in the process.”
Following the scrimmage, fans gathered to show their support for the Spartans, lining up to get team schedule posters signed by the players. The energy around the program was undeniable, with excitement for the season ahead on full display. Coach Vick, who arrived on the field two hours early, was excited for a strong turnout and the buzz surrounding the future of Spartan football.
“Today just with the energy, the crowd, the family, the players and their enthusiasm and energy, I just wanted to go out there and get a feel for what we were about to experience and soak it all in,” said Vick. “I actually beat all the guys out there and it’s good when your coach is the first one out there. It definitely makes a difference –makes a statement.”
Several Hampton Roads legends were present at the game to show their support for Vick and the team, including NBA icon Allen Iverson, NFL veteran Tyrod Taylor, lightweight boxing champion Keyshawn Davis, Virginia State Senator Aaron Rouse, and Congressman Bobby Scott. It was an inspirational moment for the players, being able to talk with figures who they looked up to growing up.
“I’m just blessed to be a part of the Coach Vick experience. It shows you guys what Coach Vick is bringing to the table and what we got going on for the fall. Just hearing words of wisdom from those guys, it means a lot to us, it means a lot to the team and we just try to implement those tips that brought them too far into our game, so I really appreciate Coach Vick for setting this all up for us.” said transfer quarterback Israel Carter.
The 2025 season is fast approaching and the Spartans still have work to get done. They will kick off the fall season against the Towson University Tigers on August 28th at the William Dick Price Stadium. With preseason preparations underway, the team is determined to build momentum and set the tone for the year ahead.
“I understand what it takes each and every day to make this team better, keep them going, keep the energy going, keep building the culture, keep getting to know everybody from a personal standpoint and if the tough decisions have to be made, being able to make them and make them with accuracy,” said Vick.
Spartan Echo 