Latest news with #NorfolkState
Reuters
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson to battle in Philly as HBCU coaches
June 5 - Former Philadelphia Eagles teammates Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson will square off as opposing coaches in 2025 -- and they'll do so at the home they used to share. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rivals Norfolk State and Delaware State will meet on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Eagles announced the news Thursday featuring statements from Vick and Jackson, who are entering their first years as head coaches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Vick is from the Norfolk, Va., area and took over Norfolk State in December. Jackson was hired by Delaware State soon after. It is the first head coaching position for both men, who played together for the Eagles from 2009-13. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage," Vick said in a statement. "Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field -- this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen." "I came to Delaware State University to start a new phase of my career with a unique institution that cares about its students and is helping to transform their futures. I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk," Jackson said. "A part of that transformation is opening our students and scholar athletes up to a whole new set of experiences at the highest level. For our teams to be playing in Philly, at the Linc, on the field Coach Vick and I called home for many years will be special for our players, our coaching staffs, our alumni and fans, and for HBCU culture around the country." Vick spent five of his 13 NFL seasons with the Eagles and made 42 starts at quarterback for the team. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and overlapped all five years with Jackson, who was in the prime of his career and made the Pro Bowl in 2009, 2010 and 2013. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles to host game between Michael Vick's Norfolk State and DeSean Jackson's Delaware State
Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson are returning to the sidelines at Lincoln Financial Field. Delaware State announced Thursday that it was moving its game against Norfolk State to the home of the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson is now the head coach at Delaware State and Vick is entering his first season as the head coach of Norfolk State. Advertisement The game was also moved from Saturday, Nov. 1 to Thursday, Oct. 30. 'This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage,' Vick said in a statement. 'Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field — this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State, and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen.' Vick was hired as Norfolk State's head coach in December after the school fired coach Dawson Odums. Vick played high school football in Newport News, Virginia, before playing at Virginia Tech. Less than two weeks after Vick was hired at Norfolk State, the Hornets hired Jackson. Both players enter their jobs at the MEAC schools with little formal coaching experience in the collegiate ranks. Jackson was an assistant high school coach during the 2024 season as more and more HBCUs are turning to professional football players to lead their programs following the success of Colorado coach Deion Sanders at Jackson State. Vick played for the Eagles for five seasons from 2009 through 2013 after he missed the 2007 and 2008 seasons while spending nearly two years in prison following a guilty plea for his role in a dog fighting ring. Jackson was with the Eagles through Vick's entire time with the franchise as they both made the Pro Bowl following the 2010 season.
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
DeSean Jackson and Mike Vick's programs to meet on October 30 at Lincoln Financial Field
DeSean Jackson and Mike Vick's programs to meet on October 30 at Lincoln Financial Field Former Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick to face off in their first year as D-I head coaches as Delaware State hosts Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field on Thur. Oct. 30. In a move that should be absolute theater, former Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick will face off in their first year as D-I head coaches as Delaware State will play host to Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field on Thur. Oct. 30. Calling it 'a potential paradigm shift for HBCU football,' Delaware State University Athletic Director Tony Tucker announced today that the Hornets will host their home game this fall against the Norfolk State Spartans at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Super Bowl LII and LIX Champion Philadelphia Eagles. DeSean Jackson played the most significant role in the matchup, getting moved to the Linc, and here are his comments. 'I came to Delaware State University to start a new phase of my career with a unique institution that cares about its students and is helping to transform their futures,' said Jackson. 'I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk State. 'A part of that transformation is opening our students and scholar athletes up to a whole new set of experiences at the highest level. For our teams to be playing in Philly, at Lincoln Financial Field, on the field Coach Vick and I called home for many years will be special for our players, our coaching staffs, our alumni and fans, and for HBCU culture around the country,' added Jackson. Vick said this about the matchup. 'This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage,' said Michael Vick, Head Coach, Norfolk State University. 'Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field – this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State, and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen.' Tickets and ticket packages will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former HBCU HC joins NFL coaching fellowship
Former Norfolk State University head coach and HBCU mainstay, Dawson Odums, is taking the next step in his coaching career, joining the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. This prestigious initiative provides minority coaches with invaluable experience working alongside professional teams during offseason programs and training camps. Odums, a respected figure in HBCU football, brings a wealth of experience to the Jaguars. He most recently led Norfolk State from 2021 to 2024. In his debut season, he guided the Spartans to a 6-5 record, their first winning campaign since 2007. His ability to turn around programs and build strong teams has earned him recognition across the HBCU community. Before Norfolk State, Odums had an impactful nine-year tenure as head coach at Southern University. There, he captured multiple SWAC West Division titles and was named SWAC Coach of the Year in 2013. He also served as an assistant coach at several institutions, including Gardner-Webb University, Georgia Southern University, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman University, and North Carolina A&T State University. This wide-ranging experience has equipped Odums with a deep understanding of both player development and program building. A native of Shelby, North Carolina, Odums was a standout defensive lineman at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he served as team captain and earned All-CIAA honors. He holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from NCCU. Odums' selection for the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship highlights the increasing impact of HBCU coaches in the NFL. Other notable HBCU coaches who have participated in the fellowship include Connell Maynor (Alabama A&M), Trei Oliver (North Carolina Central), and Buddy Pough (South Carolina State). These coaches have not only strengthened the bridge between HBCU programs and the NFL but have also inspired future generations of players and coaches. The Bill Walsh Fellowship provides participants with hands-on experience during NFL training camps and offseason programs. This exposure helps minority coaches refine their skills, expand their networks, and prepare for future opportunities in professional football. Odums will join Ari Confesor and Anthony Gaitor as part of the Jacksonville Jaguars' fellowship group. Together, they will collaborate with the coaching staff, learn advanced strategies, and contribute to the team's development throughout the offseason. The post Former HBCU HC joins NFL coaching fellowship appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Michael Vick mentor, Virginia football legend dies at 73
The Virginia football community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures. Tommy Reamon, a former NFL running back and legendary high school coach, passed away at 73. His legacy is deeply rooted in mentorship, notably his transformative influence on athletes like Michael Vick, the new head HBCU football coach at Norfolk State University. Born in Virgilinia, Virginia, Reamon began his football journey at George Washington Carver High School and went on to shine at the University of Missouri. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974, Reamon's career later took him into coaching, where he made a lasting impact on high school football in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Among the many young athletes Reamon coached, none stood out more than Michael Vick. Under Reamon's mentorship at Ferguson and Warwick High Schools, Vick developed into one of the most electric quarterbacks of his generation. Reamon saw Vick's potential early-and not just on the field. He pushed Vick to consider coaching long before it became a reality. That persistence paid off when Vick was named the head football coach at Norfolk State University, Virginia's largest HBCU, in December 2024. Reamon praised Vick's new role as a game-changer for Norfolk State. "Just that word, wow, because it's going to change the culture," he told WTKR. "It's going to change the culture at Norfolk State." He even sees Vick following in the footsteps of Deion Sanders, whose college coaching career began with remarkable success in HBCU football at Jackson State. "He's the model," Reamon said of Sanders. "Tomorrow, day one of work, that boy Michael will do exactly what Deion Sanders is doing." According to Reamon, Vick has already spoken with Sanders and has a blueprint. While transitioning from NFL superstar to HBCU head coach is uncharted territory, Reamon had no doubt: "He's going to be a great one," he smiled. "He's been around good teaching." Reamon was more than a coach-a passionate advocate for HBCU programs. Over the years, he guided countless student-athletes toward institutions like Norfolk State, Hampton University, and Virginia State. His work helped shine a spotlight on the power of HBCU football to shape future leaders both on and off the field. Tommy Reamon's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will endure. Through his mentorship of Michael Vick and steadfast support of HBCU football, Reamon transformed lives and elevated communities. His influence will be felt for generations to come. The post Michael Vick mentor, Virginia football legend dies at 73 appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
