There was a stretch in Philly where defenses straight-up lost sleep. And not just because Michael Vick had that rocket left arm or DeSean Jackson had wheels faster than a YouTube ad skip button. It was the combo that did it. Like when Vick uncorked that 88-yard bomb on the very first snap against Washington in 2010—you just knew the game was cooked right there. It wasn’t football. It was streetball with cheat codes.

Vick rolled left, D-Jax gone in a blink, and boom—fireworks. That connection was lightning in cleats. But that’s not it. I mean, if you’re wearing a Giants blue in December that same year? Oof. Trauma. The “Miracle at the New Meadowlands” wasn’t even supposed to happen—they punted to DeSean with 14 seconds left like it was just another play. But Vick had already gone full-on hero mode that fourth quarter, leading the comeback.

Then D-Jax sealed the deal with that 65-yard return like he was just picking up groceries. No huddle, no mercy. Final result? 38-31. The Eagles won. Long story short: Vick and Jackson made it a habit to cause havoc for the opposition. Fast forward to now, and these two have switched their Eagles jerseys for the head coaching role in HBCU football. While Vick is leading the Norfolk, D-Jax is out there taking the reins at Delaware.

Both of ’em are first-year head coaches, and trust me: these retired folks are trying to build their HBCU programs from the ground up. “Me and Michael Vick, man, we’re real brothers,” Jackson said during the recent pressers. “We have a brotherhood and it’s special.” The kicker? Well, Jackson wants to play against Vick. Location? Yeah, you guessed that right. Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

When a reporter asked D-Jax if he’s still interested in playing against Vick, the NFL legend straight up admitted that they’re trying their best to make that happen. “I don’t know if I can release that information, but we’re trying,” he replied. “We’re trying any and everything to get that game at Lincoln Financial Stadium. It’s a possibility for sure.” To make it more obvious, Jackson and his former Eagles’ security chief, Big Dom, are trying behind the scenes to make that happen.

And if that really happens at any time in the future, then it wouldn’t be just for show. Oh no. In fact, the game would attempt to raise the profile of Delaware State and all of HBCU football. We’re especially talking about the Philly area. But one thing’s for sure: D-Jax and Vick are out there leading the HBCU football, while representing a new era of leadership. “If we get to success, then that opens the door for more ex-NFL players to coach,” Jackson said.

Meanwhile, DeSean is now fully in work mode for the player evaluation as he’s gearing up for the 2025 campaign—his first as a head coach.

DeSean Jackson is ready for his first season as a head coach

DeSean Jackson’s journey in the NFL has been nothing short of extraordinary, earning him the title of one of the best deep threats in the league. 15 seasons, over 11K receiving yards, and those 58 touchdowns. No wonder the former Eagles wideout wrapped up his NFL career on a high note. And after that? Well, just say the man’s not going to stop just now.

Last year, D-Jax entered the coaching world when he served as an offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, Calif. Fast forward, and the man was promoted to the head coaching post. Not at Woodrow Wilson High School, but as the HC of Delaware State Spartans. With that being said, DeSean Jackson is now in full working mode. And it starts with evaluating the right players for his team.

On Friday, D-Jax took to his official IG handle and shared a boomerang story as he was evaluating the players. “Work mode! Player evaluations,” he wrote in his IG story. This year, Jackson will replace Lee Hull after Hull served as the head coach of Delaware State for the last couple of years.

“The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline,” Jackson said in a school statement. “If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started.” Last season of the Delaware State was anything but smooth under coach Hull.

The team wrapped up its 2024 season with 1-11 after a poor finish in the 2023 season of 1-10. Considering the underwhelming performance in the last couple of seasons, no wonder the organization decides to take a chance on someone who has a great NFL resume under his name.