The HBCUs are out here snatching up NFL legends like they’re assembling an all-star squad. First, it was Deion Sanders flipping the game at Jackson State back in 2020, and now? Delaware State is making moves, about to land DeSean Jackson as their new head coach. Yeah, THAT DeSean Jackson—the guy who made NFL defense look silly for 15 seasons in the NFL. Word on the street is this deal’s about to go down, and folks are already buzzing. Delaware State’s football has been down bad lately, but with D-Jax in the mix? Man, this could be their glow-up moment.

Now, let’s not act like this is some random hire. HBCUs have been riding the wave since Coach Prime’s takeover. After Deion turned Jackson State into a headline machine, Eddie George pulled up to Tennessee State. Then Ed Reed took a shot at Bethune-Cookman. Fast forward, and now Michael Vick just got the keys at Norfolk State. Vick and Jackson—former Eagles teammates—are about to be rivals in the MEAC. Can you imagine? Two Philly legends calling shots from the sideline. Feels like the NFL, but with an HBCU remix.

For D-Jax, this gig ain’t just about clout. Dude’s been talking about coaching at an HBCU forever, and Delaware State’s giving him the keys to make that dream real. But let’s keep it a buck—the Hornets? Yeah, they’ve been catching Ls for fun. A 1-11 season? Yikes. Their only dub was against Sacred Heart, and even that felt like a miracle. But hey, if anybody can turn this ship around, it’s Jackson.

The man’s been a walking highlight reel his whole career—three-time Pro Bowler, 11,000+ receiving yards, and some of the sickest punt returns you’ll ever see. Now he’s gotta bring that magic to Delaware State. And let’s not forget—this hire comes with drama. Vick just took the job at Norfolk State, so the MEAC is about to get spicy.

DeSean Jackson & Michael Vick following Deion Sanders’ footsteps

Let’s be real, this trend’s got Coach Prime’s fingerprints all over it. Deion stepped into Jackson State in 2020 and didn’t just change the game—he rewrote the whole playbook. Suddenly, HBCUs weren’t just part of the conversation; they were the conversation. Eddie George jumped in at Tennessee State, Ed Reed gave it a try, and now, back-to-back Eagles legends are making moves. Jackson and Vick might not have Deion’s track record yet, but the blueprint’s there.

For Jackson, this isn’t just about clout; it’s about legacy. He’s stepping into a program that’s desperate for a turnaround, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. If he can channel even a fraction of the magic he had as a player into coaching, Delaware State might finally see some light at the end of this tunnel. And if nothing else, the MEAC’s about to be a whole vibe next season. Vick, Jackson, and a whole lotta smoke—this is the HBCU renaissance, y’all. Buckle up.

Now think about the bigger picture—this ain’t just football, this is culture. What Deion Sanders sparked was more than W’s on a scoreboard; it was about elevating HBCUs, putting them on the national map, and making them destinations for top talent. Jackson and Vick stepping into these roles ain’t just career moves; it’s a statement. It’s about proving that HBCUs can develop stars on and off the field. These legends bring swagger, credibility, and attention, and that’s the type of energy Delaware State and Norfolk State are banking on.