Although name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals were not around when he dominated college football in the late ’90s, the new Norfolk State football coach is in favor of collegiate athletes of today being able to profit from their talents, even if it may be deleterious to his program. Vick has vowed to not impede players seeking greener NIL pastures, even if they will necessitate them leaving his program, he is already giving players his blessing to do so.
In a recent appearance on Da Get Got Podcast with Marshawn Lynch, Vick said this of players seeking to leave the Spartan program for the NIL bag:
“I’m taking the embrace-it approach. I know you’re going to have options if you do what you got to do. You go win the MEAC and you make First Team and Clemson comes calling and they offer you some money. I can’t tell you no. They’re offering you some bread. I can’t do that. The only thing I can do is match. The only thing we can do is get in the game.”
Although some players have expressed their desire to remain loyal to he and the Norfolk State program for the duration of their collegiate careers, Vick thinks they should be focused on maximizing their financial opportunities first and foremost.
“I’ve told a couple of them that, and they’ll be like, “Nah coach, I want to be with you the whole time.”
And I’m like, “Alright. Well, when somebody comes and calls you, they get $700,000. Let me see if you want that.”
This is an unconventional approach to navigating the NIL waters but time will be the author of how this path will affect the Norfolk State football program.
