Delaware State Stuns Norfolk State in Final Seconds to Close HBCU Week

Delaware State University defeated Norfolk State University 36-33 in the closing moments of Saturday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field. The victory capped a weeklong event in Philadelphia dedicated to historically Black colleges and universities.

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office organized the initiative, which ran through the weekend. The program brought together students, alumni, and members of the Divine Nine in South Philadelphia. The event aimed to showcase the cultural and academic contributions of these institutions to the local community.

The game drew specific attention because two former Philadelphia Eagles players served as head coaches for the opposing sides. Michael Vick, who now leads Norfolk State, faced DeSean Jackson, the head coach at Delaware State. Both men returned to the stadium where they previously played professional football.

Former Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham attended the game. He noted that the presence of Vick and Jackson helped increase public awareness of HBCUs. “It’s great that we are all now recognizing HBCUs even more getting that exposure with Vick and DJack being on the team it's driving more people to learn about HBCUs,” Graham said.

El Hadji Mbaye, Mister Senior at Delaware State, spoke to the importance of the event for smaller schools. “I feel like its's really important, because we don't get a lot of recognition, we are a small HBCU in Delaware. Delaware is the first state,” Mbaye said.

Attendees described the gathering as a chance to reconnect with the traditions of their alma maters. Edward Franklin, an alumnus of Lincoln University, said the institutions help people understand their heritage. “HBCUs allow you to understand not just who you are but where you come from. It's a great community,” Franklin said.

Master Brown, a Delaware State alumnus, emphasized the personal impact of the college experience. “HBCUs are pivotal, I believe. I'm a product of an HBCU and I love what my HBCU did for me,” Brown said. The final score of 36-33 confirmed Delaware State’s narrow win.