Former NFL stars Michael Vick and Desean Jackson square off in Philadelphia, taking on different roles as HBCU head coaches in a city they both once called home.
"Philadelphia Football Reunion: Vick and Jackson Face Off as Opposing Coaches at their Former Home Turf"
In a striking turn of events, former Philadelphia Eagles teammates and NFL Pro Bowlers, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, will lock horns as rival coaches in 2025 - right in the heart of the city they once dominated as players. This epic clash will unfold at Lincoln Financial Field, a stadium steeped in personal and professional memories for the duo.
Norfolk State Spartans and Delaware State Hornets, rivals in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, will square off on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, under the iconic lights of Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. The Eagles have given their seal of approval for this unprecedented event, featuring statements from both Vick and Jackson.
As newbies to the world of college head coaching, Vick, a native of the Norfolk, Virginia, area, and Jackson, recently hired by Delaware State, are ready to bring their football knowledge and expertise to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This October faceoff marks the beginning of a new era in their coaching careers, with the duo having spent their NFL glory days together from 2009 to 2013.
Michael Vick, who spent five seasons with the Eagles and made 42 starts as their quarterback, expressed his delight by stating, "Stepping onto the field at Lincoln Financial Field, a stadium that holds a significant place in my NFL career, is truly an unparalleled opportunity for our student-athletes. I'm thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank everyone involved in making it happen."
DeSean Jackson, fondly known for his electrifying playmaking skills, couldn't contain his excitement, "I am honored to be a part of Delaware State University, an institution that nurtures its students and empowers them to reach their potential. I share the same vision as Coach Vick in providing our players with extraordinary experiences at the highest level. Having the opportunity to play at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, a sight we both know oh so well, will be a special moment for our teams, our fans, and the entire HBCU community."
Vick and Jackson's impressive NFL careers were evident when they took the field together with the Eagles. Vick, who won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and was runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year in 2010, enjoyed a remarkable five-year tenure with the Eagles. DeSean Jackson, drafted by the Eagles in 2008, is celebrated for his electrifying plays, including a sensational punt return touchdown in 2010. He too was a Pro Bowler, becoming the first NFL player to be selected at two different positions.
So, grab your popcorn and prepare for an extraordinary spectacle, as these Philadelphia legends come face to face at Lincoln Financial Field, signaling a fresh chapter in HBCU football history. It promises to be a night of excitement, camaraderie, and the rush of nostalgia that only the Eagles' former stars can deliver.
- Michael Vick, a former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, and DeSean Jackson, a Pro Bowler wide receiver in the NFL, will face each other as rival coaches at the Lincoln Financial Field in 2025, revisiting their former home turf.
- In the upcoming college football season, Vick and Jackson, both native to the Mid-Atlantic region, will make their coaching debuts at Norfolk State and Delaware State respectively, bringing their combined American football expertise to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
- This highly anticipated faceoff between Vick's Norfolk State Spartans and Jackson's Delaware State Hornets is set to take place at the Lincoln Financial Field, marking a significant milestone in both coaches' careers, a reminder of their collective achievements with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2009 to 2013.
- DeSean Jackson, known for his electrifying plays on the field, shared his excitement about the upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of such extraordinary experiences for HBCU student-athletes while expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play at the illustrious Lincoln Financial Field.
