In the 2010 game, often called the "Monday Night Massacre," Michael Vick had a legendary performance against the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). He completed 20 of 28 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 80 rushing yards and two more touchdowns on eight carries in a 59-28 Eagles victory. This historic effort was one of the best single-game performances in NFL history, as Vick became the first player to account for at least 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, four passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns in a single game.

One of those touchdowns, on the very first play from scrimmage, Vick connected with DeSean Jackson for an 88-yard touchdown pass. Almost 15 years later Vick, the first year head coach at Norfolk State University, and Jackson, the first year head coach at Delaware State University, are bringing their exploits to the world of HBCU football.

Vick expressed his gratitude to be a part of the storied HBCU coach tradition.

"I am blessed and humbled by this opportunity to lead, mentor, and transform the football program at Norfolk State University," Vick said at the time of his hire. "A prestigious HBCU with a rich athletics history, NSU provides a tremendous environment for students to reach their full potential on the field and, just as importantly, in the classroom. I am honored to join the Norfolk State family and welcome your support as we embark on this journey together. BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD."

Jackson noted that building the right kind of culture is what attracted him to coaching at an HBCU. 

“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’s statement read. "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." Amazon Prime will release a documentary on Jackson's life this fall.”

While their incredible careers in the NFL, they both bring an enormous spotlight to their respective programs, Vick, a four-time Pro Bowler, and Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler, both stand on the shoulders of the legendary Eddie Robinson.

As head coach of the Grambling Tigers from 1941-1997, Robinson made his mark as one of the greatest coaches in football history. He led Grambling to 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships and nine Black College Football National Championships.  Also, he posted a streak of 27 consecutive winning seasons from 1960 to 1986. At the time of his retirement, Robinson held the record for most wins in NCAA Division I football history, with a final record of 408-165-15. 

During his coaching tenure, Robison’s program produced more than 200 players who played in the NFL, AFL, or CFL including  Paul "Tank" Younger, the first Black player from an HBCU to play in the NFL, Doug Willaims, the first Black QB to win and be named MVP of the Super Bowl and Hall of Famers Willie Davis, Buck Buchanan, and Willie Brown.  

Along with wins on the field, it was Robinson’s vision and his higher calling to develop young Black men who go and make a difference in the world. Football was Robinson’s domain to teach life lessons and to prepare his student-athletes to thrive in a world imbued with racism and social injustice.

In an interview in 1982, Robinson spoke about how leading young Black men has been his greatest joy. 

I've enjoyed working with the American youth for those 41 years,” Robinson told ABC News. “If it means anything, I would want it to mean something to the young Blacks who have played the game and who are  in any other field, that there are more opportunities here than any other country in the world. I want them to see that.”

Now Vick and Jackson are now post of Robinson’s lineage as coaches in the MEAC conference who are using the sport of football to impact Black men. But it’s not just Vick and Jackson who are former NFL players who are currently coaching at HBCUs. Eddie George (Tennessee State University), Monte Coleman (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Sean Gilbert (Livingstone College), Greg Ellis (Texas College), Eddie Robinson Jr. (Alabama State), Bubba McDowell (Prairie View A&M), Fred McNair (Alcorn State), Sam Washington (North Carolina A&T) have all brought their experience as NFL players to HBCUs. This trend could have an incredible impact on their institutions in the age of NIL (Name, Image and Likeness).

After they both suffered defeats in their season openers, Vick and Jackson earned their first wins as head coaches. Norfolk State beat Virginia State 34-31on Saturday night and Del State defeated the Albany Great Danes 37-32. Each coach is headed in the right direction, in the spirit of Eddie Robingon to take their programs to higher heights and launch that next generation of Black male leaders into the world.

To catch Robinson’s win total, Vick and Jackson will need 407 more victories.