What makes an NFL legend like Michael Vick truly great? First guess: the achievements that they earned or the lessons they learned from life’s challenges. But what identifies these aspects as even more authentic and praiseworthy? Well, another legend like Allen Iverson giving his acknowledgement of the aforementioned aspects is something that does the job perfectly.

And that’s exactly what AI did after the Norfolk State University recently introduced Michael Vick as its new head football coach on Monday.

The former NBA star emphasized how Vick’s story of triumph, hardship, and redemption is what made him the perfect fit. “He’s been through the ups and downs in life. Who’s not going to listen to Mike Vick?” Iverson said during a press conference. “Who’s not going to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong other than Mike Vick?”

For anyone familiar with Vick’s journey, Allen Iverson’s words hit home. Vick’s life has been a rollercoaster—from being a Heisman Trophy finalist and the NFL’s No. 1 overall pick to serving a 21-month prison sentence for his involvement in a dogfighting scandal. But what set him apart was his ability to bounce back. Not only did he return to the NFL to rebuild his career, earned redemption by winning 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

No wonder Iverson further said during his interview, “It’s a great story… It’s a beautiful day, not just what he has to offer to kids but to everybody.”

Notably, this coaching position is more than a job for Vick—it’s a homecoming. Growing up just 30 minutes from Norfolk State, Vick is eager to give back to the community that shaped him. “God has blessed me to do some amazing things in my life,” he said, addressing the crowd that included Iverson.

Allen Iverson has had old ties with Michael Vick

Though Allen Iverson and Michael Vick excelled in different sports, their careers have often been compared due to their unique styles and immense influence. Even rapper Lil Wayne touched on this in an interview, saying that during Iverson’s heyday, everyone in the hip-hop community wanted to be like him. Later, he believed Michael Vick inspired that same admiration.

And even Iverson himself sees the connection. “We come from the same area, and we understand each other because we went through similar lives,” he said during a recent interview. The former Philadelphia 76ers star further highlighted how it’s hard making it from where they both did it despite different distractions.

Speaking fondly of Vick, Iverson added, “That’s the little homie, man. I love Mike. We always had a great relationship. And I think that’s important. Especially from him being younger than me.” It’s clear that Vick not only has the position of head coach at Norfolk State University, but complete support from Allen Iverson.