Mike Vick, Norfolk State lose after his order was ignored
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Mike Vick, head coach of Norfolk State football, called for a victory formation kneel-down with 1:34 left to secure a 28-23 lead against North Carolina Central, but the offense instead ran a play that resulted in a fumble and eventual loss.
- Despite Vick’s clear directive to take a knee and run out the clock, the offense lined up in shotgun formation, leading to a fumble recovery by North Carolina Central, who then scored the go-ahead touchdown.
- Vick stated he had removed his headset and was unaware of the play call change, suggesting the offensive coordinator Brian Sheppard may have ignored his instructions, causing confusion on the sideline.
- The incident highlights a breakdown in communication and decision-making within Norfolk State’s coaching staff, with Vick acknowledging the error but also seeming to share some responsibility for not intervening more decisively.
- Norfolk State’s loss dropped their season record to 4-6, and the play has become a cautionary example of situational football errors and coaching mismanagement.
