Spartan Football Alumni

🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

Today, we shine the spotlight on Alonzo Fowlkes a Spartan whose journey shows that the lessons learned at Norfolk State can take you from the football field into engineering, leadership, and beyond. 🔰

THE SPARTAN YEARS

Alonzo graduated from Norfolk State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronics Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.

But before building his career in engineering, Alonzo was building with the Spartans taking the field as a fullback.

The fullback position is about doing the work that doesn’t always make the highlight reel. Blocking. Creating opportunities. Doing your job for the team.

That Spartan mentality doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off.

⚡ FROM THE FIELD TO ENGINEERING & LEADERSHIP

Today, Alonzo is a Radio Frequency Engineer while also serving as Director of Operations and Manager for Loyalty Is Timeless, a music group.

His journey from the football field to engineering and operations is another example of the many paths Spartan football alumni take after Norfolk State carrying the discipline, teamwork, and determination learned as a student-athlete into their professional lives.

🏈 LOOKING AHEAD TO THE SPARTANS

Alonzo is expecting a successful season for his Spartans.

His vision for the season is clear:

“Good QB play and great defense will ensure we get back to the mountain top of the MEAC under Coach Vick.”

From fullback to engineer.
From student-athlete to professional leader.
From Spartan then to Spartan forever.

The past laid the foundation.
The present carries the torch.
The future is waiting to make its mark. 🔰

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🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

Today, we celebrate Kevin “KT” Talley a Spartan whose impact reaches far beyond the football field.

From 2000–2004, KT proudly wore the Green & Gold, beginning his Spartan career as an Outside Linebacker (2000–2002) before moving to Middle Linebacker (2003–2004). His dedication, leadership, and contributions helped shape the legacy of Spartan football.

After graduating from Norfolk State University in December 2004, KT continued to make his mark. His accomplishments as a Spartan were recognized with his induction into the Norfolk State University Hall of Fame in 2019 and the MEAC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Today, KT continues serving the next generation as a Varsity Football Coach at Petersburg High School, home of the Crimson Wave. His journey is a powerful reminder that the lessons learned through Spartan football don’t end when the playing days are over they become a foundation for leadership, mentorship, perseverance, and service.

KT’s connection to Spartan football remains strong, and his expectations for this season are clear: a bounce-back year for the Spartans. He believes in Head Coach Michael Vick, a former high school teammate, as well as the coaching staff and players, and believes they can help turn the program around.

His message says it all:

“I am one, one of many, of the many, we are one.”

That is the essence of the Spartan Family. Behold 🔰

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🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

Today, we celebrate Donte Hodge NSU Class of 2009! 🔰

A former Outside Linebacker, Donte proudly wore the Green & Gold and became part of the rich tradition that connects generations of Spartan football.

Since his playing days at Norfolk State, Donte has continued to build a career centered on technology, leadership, and innovation. Today, he serves as a Software Engineering Manager, bringing more than 16 years of experience as an IT professional to his work developing software applications supporting advanced technologies, solutions, and sustainment across the military, commercial, and medical industries.

His journey is a powerful reminder that the Spartan experience extends far beyond the football field. The discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership developed as a Spartan continue to show up in the lives and careers of our alumni.

🏈 Donte’s expectations for the Spartans this season:

“I’m expecting for the Spartans to hit their Vick era second year stride. We had some tough lessons to learn last year, but I’m excited to see how we turn the disappointments of the recent past into fuel for success!”

From an Outside Linebacker in the Green & Gold to a leader in the world of software engineering, Donte Hodge continues to represent what it means to be a Spartan; building, leading, adapting, and moving forward.

Because Spartan football doesn’t just build players. It builds leaders. Behold! 🔰

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🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

Today, we shine the spotlight on Cameron Marouf, a proud member of the Spartan family and a member of the 2017 Norfolk State University graduating class. 💚💛

As a Kicker/Punter, Cameron played a special role on the field contributing in those critical moments when precision, preparation, and confidence mattered most.

Today, Cameron has taken the same mindset beyond the football field and into his professional career, working in software sales for the government. His journey is a reminder that the lessons learned as a Spartan extend far beyond the game. The discipline, adaptability, preparation, and determination developed through football can continue to shape success long after the final whistle.

When asked what he expects from the Spartans this season, Cameron kept it simple:

“Learn from previous mistakes, adjust and make a play.” 💯🏈

From kicking and punting for the Spartans to building a career in government software sales, Cameron continues to represent the legacy of Norfolk State football in his own way. Behold 🔰

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🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

Today, we shine the light on Lynden Trail Sr. Norfolk State University Class of 2014.

An Outside Linebacker, Lynden left his mark on Spartan football in a historic way. During his time in the green and gold, he became a 3X All-American, the first National Defensive Player of the Year award recipient in Norfolk State history, and the first Spartan selected to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

But for Lynden, those accomplishments were never just about individual recognition. Every time he stepped onto the field, he represented Norfolk State, his teammates, his family, and everyone who helped him along the way.

That Spartan foundation carried forward into a professional football career in the NFL and continues to shape the leader he is today.

Today, Lynden serves as a Senior Organizational Development Representative for a federal government contractor, focusing on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, coaching, and developing leaders at multiple levels.

And he isn’t finished growing.

Lynden is currently in the dissertation phase of his Doctorate of Strategic Leadership at Liberty University while also pursuing a Master of Social Work continuing his commitment to leadership, service, mentorship, and developing others.

Football and mentorship remain a major part of his life as he continues pouring into the next generation through coaching and youth development.

🏈 His message to today’s Spartans?

Toughness. Discipline. Confidence. Pride.

Lynden wants to see this generation compete for championships, represent Norfolk State the right way, and understand that they are carrying forward a legacy built by generations of Spartans before them.

“Records are meant to be broken, and I hope this generation accomplishes things that none of us have accomplished before.”

From making history as a 3X All-American, to playing in the NFL, to developing leaders professionally and pursuing advanced degrees, Lynden Trail Sr. represents what it means to carry the Spartan experience beyond the football field.

Different generations. Different journeys. One Spartan Family. Behold. 🔰

🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

We celebrate Melvin Walton a proud Spartan whose story reflects the heart, hard work, and lifelong connection that makes Norfolk State football special. 🔰

THE SPARTAN YEARS | 1978–1981

Melvin Walton played Spartan football during the 1978, 1979, and 1980 seasons, lining up on the offensive line wearing #57, primarily at center.

For an offensive lineman, the spotlight isn’t always about the name on the scoreboard. It’s about toughness. Discipline. Doing your job. Putting the team first.

Those are the qualities that helped define Melvin’s time as a Spartan and they continued to serve him long after his playing days ended.

⚓ FROM SPARTAN FOOTBALL TO A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

After graduating from Norfolk State in 1981, Melvin went on to build an impressive 43-year career at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, eventually retiring after decades of dedicated service.

His journey is a reminder that the Spartan experience doesn’t end when the final whistle blows.

The discipline learned on the offensive line.
The commitment to the team.
The determination to keep moving forward.

Those lessons travel with you.

🏈 LOOKING AHEAD

As another Spartan football season approaches, Melvin is still paying attention and still cheering for the Green & Gold.

His expectation is simple:

“I’m looking for improvement in the football team, at least a winning season”

That’s the voice of a Spartan who understands what it means to compete and who continues to believe in the program.

From #57 in the trenches to 43 years of service at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Melvin Walton represents a generation of Spartans whose contributions helped build the foundation for those who came after them.

Spartan football builds more than football players. It builds people prepared to lead, serve, work, and make an impact long after their playing days are over.

To the Spartans of yesterday, today, and tomorrow your story is part of the legacy. Behold🔰

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🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

Terence Gibson | Norfolk State University, Class of 2004

Some Spartans leave the field when the final whistle blows. Others carry that Spartan Pride with them wherever life takes them.

Terence Gibson proudly represented Norfolk State on the offensive line, wearing #63 and earning his degree in Management Information Systems in 2004. But his Spartan football journey didn’t end with graduation.

Terence returned as a graduate student and suited up for the 2004 fall football season, giving him one more opportunity to put on the Spartan uniform and battle alongside his brothers.

His football journey continued beyond Norfolk State. Terence was invited to participate in the HBCU All-Star Game in New Orleans, Louisiana, and later entered the 2005 NFL Draft. Although his name wasn’t called on draft day “apparently the NFL forgot to check the scouting report!” 😂 Terence kept chasing the dream, playing a year of Arena Football and continuing to compete at a high level.

Today, Terence is putting his Management Information Systems degree to work as a Federal Government IT Specialist in cybersecurity, where he works in cybersecurity assessments and audits. His career has taken him to different locations across the country, allowing him to meet new people, learn how organizations operate, and experience places he never imagined visiting.

And yes… finding the good food in every city is part of the job too! 🍽️✈️

So, what does Terence expect from the Spartans this season?

“I’m expecting the Spartans to DOMINATE!” 💪🏾

He’s looking forward to a winning season, getting back to some games, supporting the team, reconnecting with his Spartan brothers, and continuing to show that:

The lessons, relationships, brotherhood, determination, and pride continue to shape who we become and how we represent Norfolk State wherever life takes us. Behold 🔰

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🏈 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 🏈

KENDALL NOBLE | CLASS OF 2012 🔰

From 2007–2011, Kendall Noble helped anchor the Norfolk State University offensive line and became a standout Spartan both on the field and in the classroom.

After redshirting in 2007, Noble developed into a four-year contributor and three-time All-MEAC selection, closing his career with an impressive 43 consecutive starts at left tackle.

🏆 2011 First-Team All-MEAC
🏆 2009 & 2010 Second-Team All-MEAC
🏆 Three-Time MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week
🏆 2011 SBN Black College All-American
🏆 2011 MEAC Champion

Noble was also part of an offensive line that helped pave the way for DeAngelo Branche to become Norfolk State’s all-time leading rusher a lasting contribution to Spartan football history.

But the Spartan journey didn’t end when the helmet came off.

After graduating from NSU in 2012 with a degree in Kinesiotherapy, Noble continued building a career centered around movement, rehabilitation, and service. Today, he practices as a Kinesiotherapist and serves as a PM&R Rehab Supervisor within the VA Healthcare System.

And when asked what he expects from this year’s Spartans, his message is clear: refinement, discipline, focus, determination and a return to the top of the MEAC.

He sees the continued onboarding of coaches and staff as evidence that the program is moving in the right direction, with the pieces in place across coaching, performance, and training.

“The pieces of the puzzle are there, we need to play the game like we know how!”

That’s the Spartan standard excellence on the field, purpose beyond the field, and a commitment to helping the next generation rise. Behold. 🔰

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