Philadelphia Eagles legends DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, two of the most dynamic players to ever grace the NFL, are set to return to Lincoln Financial Field—not as teammates, but as rival head coaches in a thrilling HBCU matchup. On October 30, Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets will face off against Vick’s Norfolk State Spartans in a historic Division I game, announced by the Philadelphia Eagles in a press release on June 5, 2025.
This Thursday night clash marks a significant moment for HBCU football, with Delaware State’s Athletic Director Tony Tucker calling it “a potential paradigm shift for HBCU football.” Tickets for the highly anticipated game will go on sale June 17 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster, offering fans a chance to witness this electrifying event at a world-class venue.
Both Jackson and Vick, who were named head coaches following the 2024 season, expressed their excitement for the matchup. “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,” Jackson said. “I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk State.”
Vick echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of the venue. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage,” he said. “Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field—this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State, and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen.”
The game is a landmark event for HBCU football, with Norfolk State’s Director of Athletics, Dr. Melody Webb, emphasizing its importance. “A game of this magnitude deserves a national platform,” Webb said. “I would like to 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.”
Jackson and Vick are part of a growing trend of former NFL players taking on coaching roles at HBCUs. Jackson’s Delaware State staff includes former NFL rushing star Clinton Portis as running backs coach, while Vick’s Norfolk State team features six-year NFL veteran Terence Garvin as defensive coordinator, among other former pros. Other notable NFL alumni in HBCU coaching include Terance Mathis at Morehouse College and Philadelphia native Eddie George, who served as head coach of Tennessee State University from 2021 to 2024.
Both teams are looking to turn around recent struggles. Delaware State posted a 2-21 record over the past two seasons before Jackson’s arrival, while Norfolk State hasn’t had a winning season since 2012, when they finished 6-5.
The connection between Jackson, Vick, and Philadelphia is profound. In 2010, Jackson made NFL history as the first player to earn Pro Bowl honors at two positions—wide receiver and punt returner—in the same year. That same season, Vick was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year, cementing their legacies as Eagles icons.
HBCUs, which make up just 3% of colleges nationwide, play a vital role in education, graduating 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black teachers, 70% of Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of Black judges. Delaware State is the only HBCU in Delaware, while Pennsylvania is home to the nation’s two oldest HBCUs, Cheyney University and Lincoln University of Pennsylvania.
This matchup at Lincoln Financial Field promises not only a clash of coaching titans but also a celebration of HBCU excellence, making it a must-see event for football fans and advocates of HBCU legacy alike.