On October 30th, Lincoln Financial Field won’t just be the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be the stage for history as Delaware State and Norfolk State meet in a first-of-its-kind HBCU Classic featuring two Eagles greats now turned head coaches, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick.
“This is historic for the MEAC in its 55th year,” Former Delaware Governor John Carney said. “It’s historic for the people of Delaware and the people of Virginia in addition to Norfolk State University and the great Delaware State University.” Carney called it an “extraordinary opportunity for a community to come together” and urged fans to make it the first of many.
Philadelphia officials echoed the samesentiments. Representing Mayor Cherelle Parker, Jazelle Jones called the game a chance to set a lasting tradition. “This is about to be an HBCU classic, one that we hope Philadelphia will host forever in a day,” she said. “Our city is no stranger to hosting world-class events and this game is going to be on and lit on October the 30th.”
> DeSean Jackson, Jalen Hurts and Michael Vick at Eagles practice 🐐🔥 [pic.twitter.com/XfrZty69Wa](https://t.co/XfrZty69Wa)
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> — The Eagle Times (@TheEagleTimes\_) [August 13, 2025](https://twitter.com/TheEagleTimes_/status/1955452140161294338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
For Jackson, who is in his first year guiding Delaware State, the move into coaching has been as personal as it is professional. “Every day I wake up, I’m excited to put my feet on the floor to blow out and see what the challenge of the day brings,” Jackson said. “At the end of day, everybody’s not going to be enough to make it to the NFL…so to be able to say you can get guys that walk across that stage or get a degree, a diploma, is what I win that stood out.”
Vick, who now leads Norfolk State, said the idea sparked quickly. “DeSean hit me up and asked me what I thought about it,” Vick recalled. “From the time he called me to up until now, it got done very quickly. And, you know, I think it’s the best thing for both schools. It’s a great opportunity for us.”
Both men stressed the lessons of authenticity and mentorship, crediting mentors like Andy Reid and Deion Sanders for paving the way. “Don’t change who you are,” Jackson said, recalling Reid’s advice. “The reason why I had such a great career in the NFL is because I was authentic.”
The bond between the two will add fuel to the atmosphere at the Linc. “It’s going to be heated. I know how he is and I know how I am,” Vick said. Jackson added, “October 30th is going to be huge. Think this is going to be something we want to do for a classic year in, year out.”
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