On October 30, Lincoln Financial Field will witness a unique showdown as former Philadelphia Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick take the field—not as teammates, but as head coaches of their respective teams.
Jackson, now at the helm of Delaware State's Hornets, will face off against Vick's Norfolk State Spartans in a highly anticipated HBCU matchup. Both coaches were appointed to their positions following the 2024 season, marking a new chapter in their careers.
The game, scheduled for Thursday night, was officially announced in a press release from the Philadelphia Eagles. Delaware State's Athletic Director Tony Tucker emphasized the significance of the event, calling it "a potential paradigm shift for HBCU football."
"This is more than just a football game," Tucker stated. "It's a celebration of talent, leadership, and a vision for the future of HBCU athletics."
Tickets for this landmark event will be available starting June 17 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.
Jackson expressed his enthusiasm for coaching at Delaware State, stating, "I came to Delaware State University to start a new phase of my career with a unique institution that cares about its students and is helping to transform their futures. I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk State."
Vick echoed these sentiments, highlighting the opportunity for student-athletes: "This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage. Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field. This stadium holds a special place in my heart, and I'm thrilled to return for such a historic moment."
Dr. Melody Webb, Norfolk State's director of athletics, praised the collaboration between the institutions. "A game of this magnitude deserves a national platform," she remarked. "I commend the Philadelphia Eagles for providing us with an amazing venue for this highly anticipated event. This matchup will highlight the talent and legacy of HBCU football."
Both coaches are part of a growing trend of former NFL players stepping into coaching roles at HBCUs. Jackson's staff includes several ex-NFL players, such as Clinton Portis as running backs coach, while Vick's team features Terence Garvin as defensive coordinator among others.
Notably, other former NFL players have also taken coaching positions at HBCUs, including Terance Mathis at Morehouse College and Eddie George, who led Tennessee State University from 2021 to 2024.
Before Jackson's arrival, Delaware State struggled with a 2-21 record over the past two seasons, while Norfolk State has not seen a winning season since 2012.
The connection between Jackson and Vick runs deep in Philadelphia lore. In 2010, Jackson made history as the first player to earn Pro Bowl honors at two different positions in the same year—wide receiver and punt returner—while Vick was named AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Despite representing only about 3% of colleges nationwide, HBCUs play a crucial role in education, graduating 40% of Black engineers, half of Black teachers, 70% of Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of Black judges.
Delaware State stands as the sole HBCU in Delaware, while Pennsylvania is home to the two oldest HBCUs in the country: Cheyney University and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.
