NORFOLK, Va. (Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletics) – For the first time ever, fans received the opportunity to watch Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick step on the gridiron as the leader of a college football program.

The Spartans completed their annual spring game on Saturday afternoon, marking the first opportunity for Spartan Nation to catch a glimpse of Vick’s talented 2025 roster in person.

The highly anticipated event lived up to its lofty expectations, producing a tremendous crowd that included several Hampton Roads legends. NBA megastar Allen Iverson, NFL veteran Tyrod Taylor, lightweight champion boxer Keyshawn Davis, Virginia state senator Aaron Rouse and congressman Bobby Scott headlined a star-studded list of attendees.

Legends in the house! #GoldStandard pic.twitter.com/jVTpVSkcUS– Norfolk State Football (@NorfolkStateFB) April 19, 2025

“It was good to see,” Vick said. “Those guys have been telling me they are going to come out and support, and I expect to see that all season. It’s good to have the local hometown heroes come out. Guys who our players can look at as role models, great citizens of the Hampton Roads and just good people.”

The Spartans participated in a mix of position drills, seven-on-seven matchups, one-on-one showdowns, and full team live periods throughout the afternoon. William & Mary transfer Dresean Kendrick, who wowed spectators earlier with a flashy one-handed grab in traffic, hauled in a goal line touchdown pass from Israel Carter for the first touchdown of the day.

Izzy finds DreSean #GoldStandard pic.twitter.com/lIQ2D54l7Z– Norfolk State Football (@NorfolkStateFB) April 19, 2025

“Everything was just one step at a time this spring,” Carter said. “He wanted us to just focus on one play, one install, one rep at a time. That’s all that we can do, control what we can control, and we’ll be just fine. I felt that when we were out there today, how the offense was operating and everything. I’m super proud of those guys, and I can’t thank my offensive line enough because those dudes help me get the success that I need and without them I’m nothing.”

A few minutes later, All-MEAC running back Kevon King converted close to the end zone for another score. Kam’Ryn Thomas also made a highlight grab, soaring high to complete a catch across the middle of the field for a big gain.

Norfolk State’s defense played tough throughout the day, putting on display the gritty culture the Spartans have instilled this spring. Delaware State transfer Khaleef Jimmison made an impressive play to break up a pass in the end zone, one of many bright spots in the Norfolk State secondary.

Jimmison emphasized the Spartans’ tenacious mindset coming into Saturday’s opportunity.

“We just wanted to compete” Jimmson said. “Compete, compete, compete. Be physical, intentional, detailed, and just compete.