For five seasons, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson entertained Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field, running one of the fastest, most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
This fall, the two return to Lincoln Financial Field in a much different capacity as first-year head coaches of prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
On Thursday, Jackson's Delaware State Hornets announced that their rivalry clash with Vick's Norfolk State Spartans will take place at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, October 30. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Ticketmaster.com.
"We are thrilled to host two of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, October 30," said Frank Gumienny, Chief Operating Officer, Philadelphia Eagles. "Led by first-year head coaches and all-time Eagles greats, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick are blazing new trails in their respective careers that we are all so incredibly proud of. Lincoln Financial Field is excited to serve as the host venue for this highly anticipated HBCU matchup. We look forward to shining a much-deserved spotlight on the Delaware State and Norfolk State football programs."
Jackson, a second-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2008, was the first player in NFL history to earn Pro Bowl honors at two different positions in the same year – wide receiver and punt returner in 2010. Jackson authored one of the greatest plays in NFL history with the Miracle at the New Meadowlands to complete an improbable comeback win against the Giants, down 31-10 with 8:17 remaining in the game. Jackson's 65-yard punt return touchdown as time expired was the first walk-off punt return in NFL history.
"I came to Delaware State University to start a new phase of my career with a unique institution that cares about its students and is helping to transform their futures. I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk," Jackson said.
"A part of that transformation is opening our students and scholar athletes up to a whole new set of experiences at the highest level. For our teams to be playing in Philly, at the Linc, on the field Coach Vick and I called home for many years will be special for our players, our coaching staffs, our alumni and fans, and for HBCU culture around the country."
Vick was the Eagles' quarterback on that miraculous day against the Giants in 2010, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another in the fourth quarter. A Pro Bowl quarterback that season, Vick earned AP Comeback Player of the Year honors and was the runner-up for the league's Offensive Player of the Year.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage," Vick said. "Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field – this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State, and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen."
HBCUs represent just three percent of colleges and universities nationwide but graduate 40 percent of Black engineers, half of Black teachers, 70 percent of Black doctors and dentists, and 80 percent of Black judges.
Event programming around the game will include extensive resources for students on career readiness, work-based learning opportunities, and networking opportunities, including featured opportunities with both head coaches.
In a joint statement, Norfolk State President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston and Delaware State President Dr. Tony Allen wrote, "While we are both excited about the game, this is more than that. It is an opportunity to showcase our talented students on and off the field as well as the great many faculty, staff, and coaches whose work is a labor of love. The measure of this game's success will be in the light it shines on the power of our HBCU community; we are the best return on investment in higher education."
"Today's announcement represents a significant and historic milestone for our university and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. I am deeply appreciative of the shared vision demonstrated by Norfolk State President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen and Director of Athletics Tony Tucker in making this opportunity a reality," added Norfolk State Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb.
"A game of this magnitude deserves a national platform, and I would like to commend the Philadelphia Eagles organization for providing us with an amazing venue for this highly anticipated event. This matchup will highlight the talent and legacy of HBCU football."
