Football players Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson set for discourse following Philadelphia Eagles training session.
Former Philadelphia Eagles Stars Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson Return to the City as HBCU Head Coaches
Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, two beloved figures in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles, are making a comeback to the city but this time as rookie head coaches for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the 2025 season. Vick will lead Norfolk State University, while Jackson will coach Delaware State University, both members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Their teams will face off at Lincoln Financial Field on October 30, marking a historic and much-anticipated HBCU matchup on a major NFL venue [1][2][3].
Both Vick and Jackson have skipped traditional assistant roles, bringing their wealth of NFL experience and leadership to their respective programs. The October 30 game at the Eagles’ home stadium will be the first head-to-head contest between the two legends as coaches, offering substantial exposure for both schools and the MEAC. DeSean Jackson, reflecting on the excitement surrounding the game, said, "The Linc gets crazy already. Now you've got two legends. It's going to be hype" [1][2][3].
On August 12, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles hosted a preseason press conference at their NovaCare Complex to preview this highly anticipated matchup and to celebrate Vick and Jackson’s transitions from NFL stars to HBCU head coaches [3][4][5]. The press conference will discuss their inaugural seasons as coaches, as well as the upcoming matchup between Delaware State University and Norfolk State University. The event will also feature representatives from the Eagles, the City of Philadelphia, Delaware State University, Norfolk State University, and both players' alma maters, Delaware State University and Norfolk State University, respectively.
During their time with the Eagles, both Vick and Jackson left a significant impact. Vick, who debuted with the team in 2010, earned AP Comeback Player of the Year honors that season and was the runner-up for the league's Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a Pro Bowl quarterback in the 2010 season. On the other hand, DeSean Jackson made NFL history in 2010 by becoming the first player to earn Pro Bowl honours at two positions in the same season (wide receiver and punt returner). He sealed an incredible comeback victory for the Eagles with a 65-yard punt return touchdown as time expired in the "Miracle at the New Meadowlands," which was the first walk-off punt return touchdown in NFL history [1][2].
The press conference on August 12th will also discuss the festivities surrounding the historic game in the home of the Super Bowl champions. Fans who want to witness this unique moment in football where two Philly legends return to the city in new roles can purchase tickets for the October 30 game. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.
[1] ESPN.com, "Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson to coach HBCU programs," August 5, 2025. [2] Philadelphia Inquirer, "Eagles legends Vick and Jackson to coach HBCU teams," August 6, 2025. [3] CBS Philly, "Eagles host press conference for Vick and Jackson's HBCU coaching debuts," August 12, 2025. [4] Delaware State University, "Delaware State University announces DeSean Jackson as new head coach," August 10, 2025. [5] Norfolk State University, "Norfolk State University announces Michael Vick as new head coach," August 11, 2025.
Fans eager to witness the collision of college football and the NFL can attend the highly anticipated game on October 30 at Lincoln Financial Field, where Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, former Philadelphia Eagles stars, will go head-to-head as head coaches for Norfolk State University and Delaware State University, respectively. This matchup, part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, signifies a significant step in American-football's draft pipeline, as both coaches bring valuable NFL experience to HBCU programs. The press conference on August 12, 2025, at the NovaCare Complex, will discuss this historic event and the potential impact on college football and the NFL landscape.
