Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson return to Lincoln Financial Field for coaching matchup

The HBCU Battle of the Legends is officially returning to Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 2 PM EST, setting the stage for another highly anticipated meeting between Delaware State and Norfolk State led by former Philadelphia Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick.

The rematch was announced Tuesday by Delaware State and an email obtained by HBCU Pulse on ClutchPoints, which confirmed that the second edition of the event will once again take place at the home of the Eagles after last year’s inaugural matchup drew 47,266 fans and became one of the most visible regular-season HBCU football games in the country.

Delaware State University President Tony Allen spoke about the second edition of the game in a statement, saying, “Last October, we wanted to prove one thing: the moment is ours. A faithful community of people representing generations of fourth-and-long, miracle plays, and living to learn to fight another day, for ourselves, our communities, and each other.” He continued, “That is the story of HBCUs, and it is as relevant today as it was when we first began.”

“I am a proud graduate of Lincoln University, the first person in my family to earn a college degree, and a product of Philadelphia public schools,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in a statement. “I know firsthand what it means for a young person to walk into a room and see excellence that looks like them. That’s why this event is so important. Last year’s Delaware State–Norfolk State game brought 47,266 fans together and celebrated the excellence, pride, and tradition of HBCU athletics.

Last season’s game represented a milestone for both first-year head coaches. Delaware State defeated Norfolk State 27-20 as Jackson continued his winning momentum, built by a string of out-of-conference victories and an upset of North Carolina Central. The win helped propel Delaware State to an 8-4 record, a 4-1 MEAC finish and the program’s first winning season in more than a decade.

The game also served as a turning point for Vick’s Spartans, who were looking to regroup after a difficult start to the season and a lopsided homecoming loss to South Carolina State. Norfolk State went on to lose all other five in conference games to finish the season 1-8

Nationally televised on ESPNU, the inaugural Battle of the Legends attracted athletes, celebrities and thousands of fans, while additional programming, including marching band performances, a step show and student opportunity events, helped transform the weekend into a celebration of HBCU culture.

The event’s success has prompted an expanded One Philly HBCU Week, with Lincoln Financial Field also hosting the Virginia Union-Lincoln University matchup on Friday, Oct. 30, before Delaware State and Norfolk State take the field the following day.

The return to Philadelphia had been hinted at last Tuesday during MEAC Media Day. When asked by HBCU Gameday whether Delaware State and Norfolk State would return to Lincoln Financial Field, Jackson smiled but stopped short of confirming the news.

“It may or may not be,” Jackson told HBCU Gameday. “It ain’t 100%. It’s not a no or yes. It may be yes, it may not. I just want to tell you, just stay tuned.”

Now, the matchup is official and will once again capture the attention of the sports world.