Eagles Eye Annual HBCU Classic After Success of Vick–Jackson Coaching Matchup

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to build on the momentum of one of the season’s most talked-about college football events. Following the landmark matchup between Michael Vick’s and DeSean Jackson’s teams — the first time the two NFL stars faced off as head coaches — the Eagles are reportedly eager to make the HBCU Classic a yearly fixture in the city.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the organization has expressed full support for hosting the event again after seeing its remarkable turnout and fan response. “The Philadelphia Eagles have shared that they look forward to the possibility of hosting another HBCU Classic in light of the success and popularity that last week’s game garnered at Lincoln Financial Field,” the team said in a statement to the Inquirer.

The matchup, which featured Delaware State University and Norfolk State University, wasn’t just a showcase of football talent but a celebration of HBCU culture. From the halftime step show to the college and career fair held alongside the game, the event was designed to highlight the heritage and community impact of historically Black colleges and universities.

With nearly 50,000 fans in attendance and national attention from sports and entertainment figures, the night at Lincoln Financial Field felt less like a one-off experiment and more like the start of something enduring — a potential new HBCU tradition in Philadelphia.

1. A Landmark Event and Major Turnout

The game’s success was no accident. Delaware State University President Tony Allen, who led planning efforts, had high hopes that the event could fill at least one section of the stadium. His goal was 28,000 attendees — a target that was not only met but far exceeded. “We all kind of agreed that if we filled that first bowl at the bottom of the stadium, which was somewhere around 28,000 people, that would be significant success for us,” Allen told the Inquirer. “So to land at 47,266 [people], with a college fair and a step show and a career fair, folks from across the HBCU ecosystem … it felt like a classic. It really did.” The game’s location at Lincoln Financial Field was a strategic decision. Delaware State’s Alumni Stadium, which seats fewer than 10,000, could not accommodate the expected crowd for such a high-profile matchup. Hosting the event at an NFL venue not only boosted attendance but also elevated the visibility of HBCU football on a national stage. The energy inside the stadium matched the stakes. From fans donning HBCU apparel to alumni traveling in from across the country, the game carried a celebratory atmosphere. For many, it was more than just a contest between two teams — it was a cultural gathering that spotlighted pride and progress within the HBCU community.

2. Financial Success and Cultural Impact

The turnout translated into major financial success. Delaware State alumna and The Breakfast Club correspondent Loren Lorosa reported that the game generated more than $1 million in ticket revenue — a figure that underscores the event’s growing popularity and potential. “I spoke to President Tony Allen … and he said the total attendance ended up being 47,266 people per tickets sold, and they made north of a million dollars last night,” Lorosa said on air. “All of that goes back to the schools, and they’ll look out for Norfolk State as well.” That financial windfall came as the result of months of coordination and community outreach. Beyond the ticket sales, the event also drew sponsorship interest, alumni engagement, and local economic benefits for Philadelphia. The city’s hotels, restaurants, and transit system saw a surge in business during the event, adding to its regional impact. Perhaps even more significant was the visibility it brought to HBCU athletics. The matchup generated buzz across social media, with clips and highlights circulating widely — not just because of Vick and Jackson’s star power, but because of the larger platform it gave to historically underrepresented programs.

3. Looking Ahead: Building a Yearly Showcase

The seeds for this success were planted months earlier when DeSean Jackson first discussed the idea on his podcast The 25/10 Show with former teammate LeSean “Shady” McCoy. Jackson expressed a desire to host his first coaching matchup against Michael Vick in a major venue — ideally Lincoln Financial Field, where both players made lasting memories during their NFL careers. “But it’s crazy because we play them November 1st,” Jackson said at the time. “I’m trying to get that game at The Linc.” His vision soon became reality, and the result surpassed expectations. Originally planned for early November, the game was shifted to a Thursday evening to maximize attendance and exposure — a move that paid off with packed stands and a national audience. The event also drew an impressive guest list, including celebrities such as Cam Newton and Meek Mill, further elevating its profile. The combination of entertainment, sports legacy, and cultural celebration made it one of the most significant HBCU showcases in recent memory. With both the Eagles and university leaders expressing interest in continuing the partnership, all signs point toward the Philadelphia HBCU Classic becoming a yearly tradition — one that could grow in scale and influence in the seasons to come.