NORFOLK, Va. — On the eve of the 2026 season opener, a group of former Spartans returned to the program they built to hand one current player a scholarship for his academics.

Princeton Toxey, a redshirt-junior linebacker from Suffolk, Va., was recognized for his commitment to the Spartan culture with a scholarship from the Spartan Football Alumni Association after the final practice before Saturday's season opener against Winston-Salem State.

The Alumni Association wanted to use this opportunity to reconnect with the program and give back to the new era of Spartan student-athletes by beginning this annual scholarship award.

Toxey appeared in 11 games for the Spartans in 2025, recording five tackles a season ago along with a quarterback hurry in the 2025 opener at Towson. He posted a solo stop against South Carolina State and added assisted tackles against Virginia State, Rutgers and Morgan State.

Spartan letterman Tyrus Lassiter, a Newport News native who played offensive guard at Norfolk State from 2001-06, presented the award to Toxey in front of the team.

"Each of us — we're all brothers here. We're all a family," Lassiter told the team. "Part of that is making sure we honor those gentlemen who have been through the trials and tribulations. You've been here. You've put in the sweat and tears."

Lassiter pointed to the humility and perseverance Toxey has shown throughout his career in Green and Gold.

"With the humility and perseverance this gentleman has shown, we want to make sure we reward him with a scholarship from the Spartan Football Alumni Association," Lassiter said.

Head coach Michael Vick called the presentation "a special moment" for the program.

"Some guys work their way into situations where it's just in their favor," Vick said.

"I am truly beyond blessed to be in this position," Toxey said. "It means so much to see that all the hard work I've put in has not gone unnoticed. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to continue making my Spartan family and alumni even more proud. The journey is just beginning. BEHOLD!"

The Alumni Association intends to make the award an annual one, working with Vick and his staff to identify candidates each season. Nominees are evaluated on leadership, community service, personal character, commitment to the program, team contribution, financial need and academic improvement, and must carry a minimum 2.5 GPA to qualify.

Norfolk State opens the 2026 season against Winston-Salem State on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Dick Price Stadium.