The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class proudly welcomes two exceptional athletes connected to HBCU football: Michael Strahan, the former defensive lineman from Texas Southern University, and Michael Vick, the new head football coach at Norfolk State University. This induction not only honors their individual achievements but also highlights the significant contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to college football.
Michael Strahan
During his time with the Tigers from 1989 to 1992, Strahan set career records with 41.5 sacks, including a remarkable single-season total of 19 during his senior year. His performance earned him multiple accolades, such as First-Team All-SWAC honors and the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons. Additionally, he was named the Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. In 1992, he was named the Black College Defensive Player of the Year.
After college, Strahan was selected in the second round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Over his 15-year NFL career, he recorded 141.5 sacks, the fifth all-time when he retired. He earhed accolades including Super Bowl champion, Pro Football Hall of Fame and NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Michael Vick
Joining Strahan in this prestigious class is Michael Vick, revered for transforming the quarterback position during his tenure at Virginia Tech from 1999 to 2000. Vick led the Hokies to an 11-0 regular season in 1999, ultimately securing a spot in the national championship game—marking the first in the school’s history. Vick was recognized as a First Team All-American by the end of his freshman season and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played 13 seasons in the NFL and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
The induction ceremony will take place later this year, celebrating these legends’ outstanding contributions to college football and inspiring future athletes from HBCUs and beyond.