Michael Vick & DeSean Jackson Set to Face Off as HBCU Coaches

Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, once one of the NFL’s most electrifying duos, will lead Norfolk State and Delaware State into battle on Thursday, October 30, under the lights at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Jackson highlighted the historic significance of the upcoming game against Norfolk State, noting it will be the first time an HBCU regular season game is played in an NFL stadium. “This one’s big,” Jackson said. “We’ve played bowl games in NFL stadiums before, but never a regular season game.”

More than just a nostalgic reunion, this primetime clash will spotlight the rise of HBCU football and the leadership of two former NFL stars now shaping the next generation. Both Jackson and Vick emphasized that the game is about more than football and is meant to uplift HBCU programs.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue,” said Vick. Jackson echoed the sentiment, calling the matchup “special” for everyone involved, from players and fans to the broader HBCU community.

In the city where they once electrified fans with deep throws and explosive plays, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson now return not as players, but as mentors. Their reunion at Lincoln Financial Field, which is the very turf where they built their NFL legacy, adds powerful emotional weight to an already historic matchup.

But beyond the nostalgia, this game represents something much bigger for the HBCU culture.

The revenue potential for both Norfolk State and Delaware State is unprecedented, marking a financial and cultural shift for both programs. It’s a bold step forward and one that could (and perhaps should) evolve into an annual series. A budding rivalry fueled by former teammates turned coaching adversaries would generate ongoing excitement and national attention.

In a pivotal time of rebuilding and redefining the landscape of HBCU athletics, this matchup delivers the hype and visibility the culture needs.

Tickets will go on sale soon, and for HBCU football fans, this is one Thursday night showdown that promises fireworks and history.