When Norfolk State coach Michael Vick and Delaware State coach DeSean Jackson meet at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 31, the former Philadelphia Eagles stars say the occasion will represent much more than a football game.
The coaches will lead their HBCU programs to Philadelphia for the second consecutive season, providing a prominent stage for their players while continuing a budding rivalry among MEAC schools.
“It feels good. It feels great to be able to represent for HBCUs,” Vick said. “Obviously, to be playing against my brother — which I don’t look at it like I’m playing against him. We just competing.”
Vick, who spent five seasons with the Eagles, said the matchup is a victory for both institutions and the HBCU community before either team steps on the field.
“In this case, where we sit right now, there are no losers on Oct. 31,” Vick said. “We’re all winners, and just ecstatic to be here.”
The game holds particular meaning for both coaches because of their deep connections to Philadelphia. Vick said the city remains important to his family and his life, praising its culture and the support he has received over the years.
“Always great to come back to the city of Philadelphia,” Vick said. “The brotherhood, the sisterhood, the food — everything takes precedent in my life. My family’s from here, so it just means a lot.”
Jackson, selected by the Eagles in the 2008 NFL Draft, called Philadelphia a homecoming. The former Pro Bowl receiver said bringing Delaware State to the home of the Eagles gives student-athletes an opportunity few programs can offer.
“To be able to come give young men an opportunity to play in front of a stadium like the Philadelphia Eagles, right here in our backyard, is why we do this,” Jackson said. “Wins and losses, obviously, is the nature of our game, but it’s a brotherhood that we built.”
More than 50,000 fans attended last year’s game that Delaware State won despite rainy weather. And the contest also received national television exposure. Jackson believes that response proved the matchup can develop into an annual HBCU football tradition.
“When we came together and said we wanted to play at Lincoln Financial Field, to see the outcome of last year’s game — being on national television, seeing all those people come out — it rained, and we thought we weren’t going to have anybody in the stands,” Jackson said. “I just think it’s an everlasting effect.”
Beyond football, Jackson said his coaching mission centers on teaching, accountability and helping players earn degrees.
“It’s not just about coaching the players. It’s about coaching yourself as well,” Jackson said. “I want to see young men walk across the stage. You can never take that piece of paper away from that young man.”
Vick said his second season in coaching has renewed his excitement and strengthened his appreciation for the impact he and Jackson can have on young men.
“Year two feels totally different than year one,” Vick said. “We’re doing great things that we know we can do, and we’ve just got to continue to push the envelope.”
