Michael Vick holds up a number seven Norfolk State jersey with his name on it after he is introduced as the head coach by Norfolk State President Javaune Adams-Gaston, second from left, Bishop Kim Brownand, left, and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb, right, during a press conference on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 in Norfolk, Va.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- To shouts of "Coach" and "Let's go Spartans," Michael Vick was introduced Monday as Norfolk State's football coach, a homecoming for the former NFL star and a splashy, attention-grabbing hire for a program that has struggled in recent years.

Vick, who grew up about 30 minutes away in Newport News, donned a Norfolk State letterman's jacket and cap in front of a crowd of supporters that included fellow Hampton Roads, Virginia, sports greats Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith.