Michael Vick didn’t have to wait long to experience his first signature moment on the sidelines. In just his second game as head coach of Norfolk State, the former NFL star led the Spartans to a thrilling 34-31 overtime victory against Virginia State on Saturday at Dick Price Stadium.
Down 23-10 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, the outcome looked bleak as fans began filing out. That’s when senior quarterback Otto Kuhns stepped in and changed the energy completely. For the second straight week, Kuhns was inserted off the bench, and he immediately ignited the Spartans’ offense.
He marched Norfolk State 70 yards on a nine-play drive to pull within six early in the fourth quarter. Minutes later, Kuhns capped off a six-play, 78-yard possession with another score that gave the Spartans their first lead of the night, 24-23.
Virginia State rallied to push the game into overtime at 31 apiece, but the momentum was already on Norfolk State’s side. The Spartans defense held firm in the extra frame, forcing a turnover on downs. That set up kicker Evan Helfrich’s 29-yard field goal, which split the uprights and secured Vick’s first win as head coach.
“Thank you Jesus,” Vick said after the game when asked what was going through his mind as the winning kick sailed through. “I love what I’m doing. I love being around these guys every day… trying to motivate them. That’s our moment.”
Kuhns finished with 173 passing yards and two touchdowns, sealing himself as the spark plug of the comeback. The victory marked a milestone for Vick, who has often spoken about his passion for mentorship and building young athletes.
Norfolk State will look to carry this momentum into next week when they travel to face Rutgers.