Legends, Legacy and HBCU Love at Lincoln Financial Field
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anthony Bonagura, Philadelphia Eagles
(609) 707-5877; abonagura [at] eagles.nfl.com
Jonathan Starkey, Delaware State University
(302) 943-1490; jstarkey [at] desu.edu
LEGENDS, LEGACY, HBCU LOVE AT LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD
Delaware State University Hornets to host the Norfolk State University Spartans at Lincoln Financial Field
on Thursday, October 30, 2025
Eagles Legends DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick to face off in their first year as D-I head coaches
Premier Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference schools to bring the HBCU experience to Philadelphia
Calling it “a potential paradigm shift for HBCU football,” Delaware State University Athletic Director Tony Tucker announced today that the Hornets will host their home game this fall against the Norfolk State Spartans at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Super Bowl LII and LIX Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The game, set for Thursday October 30, 2025, will feature the first head-to-head matchup between former Eagles greats and now rival head coaches DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. Hornet Head Coach Jackson and Spartan Head Coach Vick were both hired following the 2024 season to revamp the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) football programs.
Tickets and ticket packages will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at Ticketmaster.com.
“While we are both excited about the game, this is more than that,” said Norfolk State President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston and Delaware State President Dr. Tony Allen. “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.”
“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.”
Coach Jackson was a key advocate for the game’s move to Philadelphia and noted the importance of the inaugural game between the former teammates.
“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,” said Jackson. “I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk State.
“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 Lincoln Financial Field, 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,” added Jackson.
The game will feature two of the best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country. HBCUs represent just three percent of colleges and universities nationwide but graduate 40% of Black engineers, half of Black teachers, 70% of Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of Black judges.
“Today’s announcement represents a significant and historic milestone for our university and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference,” said Dr. Melody Webb, Director of Athletics, Norfolk State University. “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. A game of this magnitude deserves a national platform, and I would like to commend the Philadelphia Eagles for providing us with an amazing venue for this highly anticipated event. This matchup will highlight the talent and legacy of HBCU football.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage,” said Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State University. “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.”
Event programming around the game will include extensive resources for students on career readiness, work-based learning opportunities and networking opportunities, as well as featured opportunities with both head coaches.