Hampton Roads sports legends Allen Iverson and Michael Vick’s second acts are primed to be more impactful than their firsts. Their paths were similar: Both hail from Newport News, measure just under 6 feet tall, were drafted No. 1 overall in their respective sports professionally, and both gained prominence for sports franchises in Philadelphia. Iverson was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, while Vick became a sports broadcaster.
Now, the tides are turning; as both are middle-aged with grey hairs in their beards and have grown children. They’re entering their second acts, giving back to the next generation. As the vice president of major sports apparel brand Reebok, Iverson is responsible for the grassroots development of up-and-coming players. As the head football coach of Norfolk State University, Vick is giving back to his home community in Hampton Roads. Both are developing the next generation of players and serving as mentors in their roles.
They both reached the highest heights of their professions athletically and can mentor the youth about the pitfalls of sports, from hangers-on to decision-making and life behind the wall. Although they came up before NIL (name, image and likeness) rules, they both had shoe deals and multiple endorsements and can help the youth navigate some of the challenges of being a brand.
Previously, they gave back through their time and energy in annual summer camps and outreach efforts, but this second act is more significant. They spend more time day in and day out developing youth and engaging intimately with communities. It’s not to say Iverson and Vick were not impactful during their playing careers when they held annual summer camps for kids, but, back then, it was more of kids wanting to be like them. Now, they are helping the youth be the best versions of themselves, pushing forward the next generation.
It’s not surprising that Vick sought to be a sports broadcaster, as a good number of former players pursue that option. It’s not even surprising that he became a coach, as that’s also another option players like to pursue post-career. It is refreshing that he chose to begin his coaching career back home in the region where he first picked up a football. (He was briefly a coaching intern for the Kansas City Chiefs before becoming a broadcaster at Fox Sports).
Similarly, it wouldn’t have been surprising for Iverson if he remained a brand ambassador for Reebok, as his retro shoes are still popular. However, it is also unexpected and admirable that he became the vice president at Reebok, giving him a leadership role in a major sports apparel brand.
As a coach, Vick employed a long-time friend, Andre Kendrick, who was in his backfield in Virginia Tech, became a pro running back in the Canadian football league, and eventually a coach. Like Deion Sanders, Kendrick is able to help coach his son, DeAndre Kendrick, who transferred to Norfolk State as a wide receiver from William and Mary. Vick also recently offered a scholarship to Donavan McNabb’s son, as he’s able to help the next generation from a friend who advocated for him post prison release.
Talking in an interview about his new role with Reebok, Iverson mentioned, “We’re gonna do big things. We’re gonna work hard. We’ll give the people what they want, and we are going to take care of our youngsters.”
I know it ranks high on their list that they were both able to play sports at the highest level, but I would wager that at the end of their lives, they will list their impact on youth as higher than any touchdown, dunk or career highlight.
Jeff Bennett of Alexandria is a writer specializing in Black history, race relations and African Diaspora studies. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia Military Institute. Review his writing portfolio at muckrack.com/jeffrey-bennett-9.
