Michael Vick is coming back to gridiron football, beginning a new phase in his career. The former NFLer will be at the helm of Norfolk State, making his debut as a CFB head coach this season. But as he steps into this new role, his much-publicized Bad Newz Kennels controversy is once again coming to light. The football community took to social media to share their thoughts on Vick’s comeback in gridiron football.
For the unversed, Michael Vick was a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and played CFB with Virginia Tech. Things were going like a dream for him. He was the 1st pick overall in the 2001 draft, being the first African-American QB selected in that position. Vick was also in the running for the Heisman trophy twice, in his three years of collegiate football. But his pro career was one marred by legal matters. Bad Newz Kennels was the highlight of it all. The controversy singlehandedly ruined all of Vick’s chances at hopefully making a name for himself in the NFL.
In 2007, an investigation into a property owned by Vick revealed that he had been involved in a dog-fighting racket. He was charged along with friends Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace, and Quanis Phillips. Officials rescued around 50 dogs, most of which were pitbull terriers. Reports indicate that the pets were found in horrible conditions. Vick’s initial sentence got more troubling after it was found that he failed a polygraph test. He reportedly lied about his role in the killing of dogs and his involvement in marijuana consumption. It was also reported that the QB ran the dog-fighting ring for six years, where the prize money ranged from $2,000 to $26,000. Vick was suspended for three years and sentenced to prison for nearly 2 years. The Atlanta Falcons were in talks of trading Vick, but ultimately let go of him towards the end of his sentence.
Afterwards, Vick was signed by Philadelphia in 2009, and had things looking up for him in the 2010 season. The Eagles lost in the Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers, but Vick finished with some great numbers. 3,018 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 100.2. He was also named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Then onwards, Vick’s presence in the NFL began waning. His appearances kept reducing in the following years, leading to an inevitable retirement in 2017.
Coach Vick reporting for duty
(via @NorfolkStateFB) pic.twitter.com/lRLQVocVbN
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 6, 2025
Vick is now beginning his first-ever stint as head coach, without any notable coaching records to bank on. The Norfolk State Spartans are coming with a poor record of 4-8 from last season. On X, ESPN shared the first glimpse of Vick as HC and in campus, with a caption from the program’s handle reading, “The man in charge.” Vick will be taking over for Dawson Odums, who could never lead Norfolk to a great season. As the former NFLer begins a new phase of life, the internet is quick to remind everyone of the dark past that will never seem to let go of him.
Thus, Michael Vick, undoubtedly, is the subject of ire once again. The football community took to X to share their thoughts about Vick’s debut as CFB head coach. And they did not hold back the attack.
The Internet will not let Michael Vick live down the controversy
Most of them seemed to be mockingly warning others to keep their pets safe. One user wrote, “Get ready. This man only knows how to coach some DOGS.” Another wrote along the same lines, “Oh s— hide ya dawgs.” Vick was charged with two other people, and one of them stated that they grew up with dog-fighting as a normal practice. According to reports, after the dogs were rescued, most were rehabilitated and were made available for adoption. Twenty-two of them, the more serious cases, were looked after at a center in Utah.
One user echoed the above sentiment. “Bro wont be getting no dogs to come play for him.” The backlash against Vick continues even after a decade since the scandal came to light.
Get ready. This man only knows how to coach some DOGS https://t.co/E7sLxquaFW
— Major’s AppleFight (@Jagsbyamillion) April 6, 2025
One user was quick to use a harsh label for Vick, writing “F— this guy #DogK-ller.” An official report states that the QB was aware that the other accomplices were involved in the killings. Vick was also reported to have buried the dead animals, with the help of his accomplices, after the person he paid to do it refused. Initially, before the polygraph test, Vick said he only “assisted” the others in the act. A whole barrage of animal abuse activists came for him, and some even wanted his name struck off from the 2019 Pro Bowl.
After seeing his NFL career fade with time, Vick seems to be ready to take college football coaching head-on in 2025. Do you think the former quarterback will make it as the new Norfolk State HC? Let us know in the comments.
The post Michael Vick’s Dog Controversy Comes Back to Haunt Him as He Receives Brutal Welcome at Norfolk State appeared first on EssentiallySports.