Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson will meet on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field, with the former Eagles stars facing each other as head coaches in Delaware State vs Norfolk State.
The game is scheduled for 3 p.m., and it comes with both coaches in their second seasons leading HBCU programs. Vick is guiding the Norfolk State Spartans into Philadelphia with a 4-4 record, while Jackson is on the opposite sideline for Delaware State.
A rematch in a familiar setting
This is not the first time these two programs have played at the Linc. Last year, Delaware State beat Norfolk State 27-20 in front of more than 47,000 fans, giving the event a strong turnout and a meaningful stage for HBCU football.
The setting adds to the storyline. Vick and Jackson both built their NFL reputations in Philadelphia, and now each is trying to establish himself as a coach while pouring back into young men at the college level. Doug Pederson, who coached both players in Philadelphia in different stretches, said it is exciting to see both men move into coaching after long playing careers.
Pederson's perspective
Pederson, who is now two months into his job as a CBS Sports color commentator for college football, said Vick was very quiet in his approach as a player, but his actions on the field spoke louder. He also said Vick arrived in Philadelphia after serving a 23-month prison sentence for federal dogfighting charges, calling that period one of the lowest moments of his life.
Still, Pederson said it is exciting to see Vick coaching now and giving back to the game. He described Vick as the kind of player whose leadership carried over to his teammates, and he said he expects Vick's teams to play hard and play well. Pederson also pointed to Jackson's energy and the way he helped teammates, calling him very unselfish like during his time in Philadelphia.
For fans in Philly, Saturday's game is more than another college football date on the calendar. It brings back two familiar names, a big crowd from last year, and another chance to see Delaware State and Norfolk State share the same stage again.
