Deion Sanders spoke glowingly about former NFL stars Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson commitment to coaching football programs at HBCUs.
Sanders, the former Jackson State coach, emphasized the significance of these high-profile athletes “coming down and humbling themselves” to coach at the collegiate level in culturally rich HBCUs, calling their presence “truly impactful.”
He revealed that he stays in regular contact with both Jackson and Vick, sharing a lighthearted story about a recent fishing trip where Jackson beat him on his own lake, prompting some good-natured rivalry and an invite for a rematch.
More importantly, Sanders praised Vick (the Norfolk State coach) and Jackson (the Delaware State coach) for “paving the way and opening doors” for countless athletes who aspire to follow their coaching footsteps.
He noted the surge of former NFL players reaching out to him, eager to transition into coaching roles, sparked by the example set by these two stars.
This movement signifies a broader trend among NFL veterans choosing to develop talent and lead programs at HBCUs, thereby helping to elevate the profile of these institutions and creating new opportunities for athletes at all levels.
“You have no idea how many phone calls I get with former NFL players who want to coach,” he said.
