PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Lincoln Financial Field marked another place in sports history, hosted the first-ever HBCU Battle of the Legends on Thursday night.
Former Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick returned to Philadelphia as rival coaches of college football teams.
The home team, Delaware State University Hornets, coached by Jackson, took on the Norfolk State University Spartans, coached by Vick.
The Thursday night game on ESPNU will serve as a homecoming return to the Linc for the former Eagles teammates, now turned head coaches of rival college teams.
But football is only part of what makes the day special. The game brought 40,000 fans to the Linc. It also brought in thousands of kids to give them a glimpse into what their futures could be by holding an opportunities fair.
“We want our young people to understand that there’s a lot out there in the future that they may not even know,” said, Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley.
The event featured dozens of businesses and colleges, many of them HBCUS
“I think it’s a really good opportunity to get out there and see your options,” said 12th grader Monae Williams.
“(There are) a lot of different colleges that I’ve never seen before and it’s really great,” said 12th grader Erica Lockwood.
There was even a little bit of Disney magic sprinkled in by the program Disney on the Yard.
Former Eagles stars DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick are returning to Philadelphia as rival coaches of college football teams
“So frequently when we do HBCU events we’re in the south right, so we like to tap into all the markets and to get into Philly and get into some of the north east schools, I love it,” said Dayna Lee-Libby with Disney on the Yard.
The HBCU experience took center stage as the event also featured a step show, highlighting historically, Black fraternities, and sororities also known as The Divine Nine.
The City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia provided tickets for thousands of kids to soak up a positive experience.
“Some very fun, fraternities and sororities all about community uplift and education so we are excited,” said Superintendent Tony Watlington.
Football stars like Brandon Graham and Marshawn Lynch were on the field watching the game and showing their support. They also got a prime view of to the all-important halftime show featuring the bands from both schools.
With two former Eagles facing off, HBCU football was put in the national Spotlight, and – in this battle- everyone wins.
“We love them both,” said Harley of Vick and Jackson. “They’re both sons of Philadelphia.”
Officials with the city of Philadelphia hope to make HBCU Battle of the Legends an annual event.
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