Michael Vick on 'Prime Time' Coaching and the Move to Colorado

Vick’s reverence for Sanders extends beyond simple fandom; as Vick himself has since taken on a head coaching role at an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), he has drawn inspiration and even advice from Coach Prime. Sanders’ success has arguably paved the way for other former NFL stars like Vick and DeSean Jackson to take on head coaching roles at HBCU programs.

When Vick was appointed as the head coach of Norfolk State, he reached out to Sanders for guidance. The best piece of advice he received? “Do it your way, put your spin on it, make it what you want it to be.” This shows that Sanders is not just a figurehead but an active mentor to those following his path.

The Jackson State to Colorado Transition

Vick acknowledges the “Deion Sanders effect,” which highlights Sanders’ ability to elevate a program and capture national attention. Sanders’ three-year tenure at Jackson State was a massive success, leading the Tigers to back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles and significantly revitalizing HBCU football on a national scale. Vick has praised this monumental impact, stating that Sanders “brought national attention to HBCUs and elevated the program to new heights.”

Sanders’ move to the University of Colorado—a Power Four school—surprised many but aligned with his ambition for new challenges. The transfer was not just a coaching change, but a cultural phenomenon, bringing significant media coverage and an influx of talent and exposure to the Colorado program.

While Vick himself has since distanced himself from direct comparisons to Sanders, stating plainly, “There’s only one Deion Sanders,” his ambition to potentially follow a similar trajectory to a Power Four school after a successful tenure at Norfolk State indicates he views Sanders’ journey from Jackson State to Colorado as a blueprint for success in the modern college football landscape.