By Chris Stevens
To kick off its football media festivities, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will have a well-known former quarterback in attendance this weekend to help grow the game.
Newport News native and former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will lend his time and expertise to the MEAC’s second annual “Girls on the Gridiron” Flag Football Clinic on Saturday at Norfolk State University. The clinic runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium, and as of Wednesday, registration is still open to the public and free.
“With the growth of women’s flag football nationally, the MEAC is proud to champion the sport and its upward trajectory,” MEAC commissioner Sonja Stills said in a statement. “Flag Football has gained recognition from the most elite bodies in sport, and it will be introduced on the Olympic stage in 2028. As such, it is important for the MEAC to drive diversity and gender equity efforts forward to include all of our fans from each of our Elite Eight member institutions. This clinic allows us to bridge DE&I initiatives while also engaging in activities within the community.”
“This is a great opportunity to broaden the reach of football to include the MEAC’s female fans while introducing flag football to a new demographic,” added Vick, who has been passionate about the sport’s growth. “With the rapid growth of the sport and its rise at the college level, who knows what opportunities this clinic might open for participants. This is especially special for me because I am a girl dad that has seen how Flag Football has impacted my daughter [Jada’s] life as she received a college scholarship to play. This is great for the MEAC, and I am excited to be a part of this year’s event.”
