Cast

Four-time NFL Pro Bowler Michael Vick is the 19th head football coach in the history of the Norfolk State University football program. The largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia, Norfolk State announced the hiring of the former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in December 2024. Prior to accepting the position at Norfolk State, Vick served as an analyst for FOX NFL Kickoff and contributed to FS1’s NFL coverage across all studio programming. He also hosted the Emmy-nominated original series Evolution of the Black Quarterback (Amazon Prime, SMAC Entertainment). Vick entered the NFL as the first overall pick in 2001 with the Atlanta Falcons. Throughout his career, he impacted the game and league with the unique qualities he brought to his position, creating a new path for future generations of quarterbacks. In just six years with the Falcons, Vick reached three Pro Bowls (2002, 2004 and 2005) and led the team to two playoff appearances, including the NFC Championship in 2004. As a redshirt freshman, Vick carried the Virginia Tech Hokies to an undefeated season and to the Bowl Championship Series national title game. Married to wife Kijafa, Vick is a proud father to four children.

Philadelphia native Kijafa Vick is a two-time Emmy-nominated television producer and Hampton University alumna. A wife and mother of three, she continues to balance creative leadership, family life, and meaningful community building within the women of the NFL.

Izzy was a generational talent at the high school level, recruited by many of the top Division I schools. Izzy is a dual-threat quarterback with an NFL-caliber arm and great athleticism. After his freshman season, Coach Vick convinced Izzy to join him at Norfolk State. As a religious young man, Izzy leans on his faith and God’s plan, but he also trusts his own work ethic.

Otto Kuhns may be the first in his family to be a Division I athlete, but he carries himself with the cool confidence of a man made for this arena. With three years under his belt at Norfolk State, Otto is the veteran in the locker room at quarterback. Otto is determined to have a senior year that can get him on NFL teams’ radar.

A native of Newport News, Makai grew up as a huge fan of Coach Vick and even attended one of his football camps as a kid. As a freshman Makai was unexpectedly redshirted, meaning he did not see the field at all. This season under Coach Vick he expects to see the field and make a big impact. Even though he’s undersized as a football player, as Coach Vick says, “It’s not always the size of a player that counts, it’s the size of his heart.”

It’s no easy task to make it from an HBCU to the NFL but based on the preseason predictors - Kevon has a fighting chance at playing in NFL. His rare combination of speed, size, strength and athleticism have NFL scouts regularly showing up at Norfolk State practices to watch him work out. The stakes are enormously high for Kevon in his senior year as each game is one of his last opportunities to prove he should be drafted by an NFL team.

From age five, Day’lan has dreamed of the NFL, following a lineage that includes his seven-year NFL veteran brother, David Jr., and Tyler, who played with him previously at Norfolk State. Day’lan was named to the pre-season All MEAC team and is a senior captain. Day’lan may feel extra pressure to make it to the pros because of his brothers’ achievements, but he also leans on the support from his family.

A team captain on defense, Terique is a tackling machine who flies to the ball and leads by example. He is known for his high football IQ, disciplined approach, and a motor that never quits. Off the field, his life has taken a monumental step forward with the arrival of his newborn son, Zique, with his high school sweetheart, Destiny. Terique carries the dual pressure of anchoring a defense and being the primary provider for his new family.

Kyree is the most physically gifted defensive player on the NSU roster. His raw speed, power, and explosive first step makes him a terror for opposing tackles and give him the tools necessary to play at the next level. Kyree is considered one of the best pass rushers in the MEAC, but the emotions that drive him to play so hard can sometimes be hard to manage.