Philadelphia Eagles icons DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, two of the most dynamic players to ever grace Lincoln Financial Field, are set to return to their former stomping grounds—not as teammates, but as rival head coaches in a thrilling HBCU showdown. On October 30, Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets will take on Vick’s Norfolk State Spartans in a historic Division I matchup at the Eagles’ home stadium, announced via a Philadelphia Eagles 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 game will go on sale June 17 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, offering fans a chance to witness this electrifying event.
Jackson, who took the helm at Delaware State after the 2024 season, expressed his excitement: “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.” He acknowledged his counterpart, adding, “I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk State.”
Vick, also in his first year as head coach at Norfolk State, highlighted 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. 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.”
Dr. Melody Webb, Norfolk State’s director of athletics, emphasized the game’s importance: “A game of this magnitude deserves a national platform. 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 have assembled staffs featuring former NFL talent. Jackson’s Delaware State team includes former NFL rushing star Clinton Portis as running backs coach, while Vick’s Norfolk State staff boasts six-year NFL veteran Terence Garvin as defensive coordinator, among other ex-pros. This trend of NFL players transitioning to HBCU coaching roles is growing, with notable examples like Philadelphia native Eddie George, who coached Tennessee State from 2021 to 2024, and Terance Mathis at Morehouse College.
The matchup carries added weight given the challenges both programs have faced. Delaware State struggled with a 2-21 record over the past two seasons, while Norfolk State hasn’t posted a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012. This game offers a fresh start for both teams under their high-profile coaches.
Jackson and Vick share a deep connection to Philadelphia. 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 season. That same year, Vick was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year, cementing their legacies as Eagles legends.
HBCUs, which make up just 3% of U.S. colleges, play an outsized role in educating Black professionals, 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 historic game promises not only a clash of football talent but also a celebration of HBCU excellence, with two Eagles legends leading the charge on their old home turf.