HBCU Legacy Bowl: Chennis Berry Emphasizes Opportunity, Careers For NFL Hopefuls

South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry explains why the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is critical for HBCU players seeking NFL opportunities, calling it a week-long job interview with all 32 teams watching in New Orleans.

Feb 25, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; Team Robinson co-head coach Chennis Berry has a bucket of water dumped on him after the game against Team Gaither during the second half of the HBCU Legacy Bowl at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl week is more than an all-star showcase for Chennis Berry. It is a proving ground.

Saturday marks Berry’s fifth opportunity to coach and mentor nearly 100 draft-eligible standouts. As the reigning 2025 HBCU national championship head coach at South Carolina State University, he understands exactly what is at stake.

"I’m super excited to represent South Carolina State University in the MEAC Conference,” Berry told HBCU Legends.  “I've been sharing the word opportunity all week. You've been hearing that name, that word resonating throughout the whole entire week."

Kicking off practices for the HBCU Legacy Bowl game on Saturday 💪👀

📸https://t.co/iGUHCkoO1w pic.twitter.com/QRwbKBV6Uo

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) February 18, 2026

A Week-Long Job Interview

Berry calls the HBCU Legacy Bowl a week-long job interview. With scouts from all 32 NFL teams in attendance, HBCU prospects receive exposure many of their campuses simply cannot provide.

He highlighted Elijah Williams and Xavier Smith, who turned strong Bowl performances into NFL roster spots.

“Over my five years participating in this game, I’ve seen players dominate and earn opportunities. Last year, Elijah Williams, a defensive lineman from Morgan State, stood out and is now on the 53-man roster with the Vikings. Two years ago, Xavier Smith from Florida A&M excelled and joined the Rams’ roster. That’s what this is all about—taking advantage of opportunities.”

Celebrating Black History Month, we look back on the 1978 NFL Draft when Doug Williams made history as the first African-American QB to be selected in the first round 👏

Learn more about his draft story in "Raise the Flags," available now on Prime Video 🎥 pic.twitter.com/rX11xhXJ4a

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 17, 2026

Carrying a Legacy Forward

Williams became the first Black quarterback to lead a team to a Super Bowl title and win MVP. Harris was the first Black quarterback to start an NFL season opener and later earned Pro Bowl MVP honors in 1975. Their careers helped shatter perceptions about HBCU quarterbacks and proved the league could not ignore elite talent from Black colleges.

“We owe it to the people like Doug and Shack who have fought tooth and nail to get a great game like this, to, when they get the opportunity to do this, take advantage of this opportunity. Regardless of anything, this is a great game.”

Both Williams and Harris broke barriers in football, particularly in the NFL. Williams was the first Black quarterback to lead a team to a Super Bowl and win MVP, while Harris was the first Black quarterback to start a season and later earned a Pro Bowl MVP in 1975.

Given their opportunities, Harris and Williams showed that HBCU football talent can excel in the NFL.

Today, the @BCFHOF hosts thousands of HBCU students from across the country at the Allstate @HBCULegacyBowl Career Fair.

Employers, students, and NFL players who attended HBCUs are networking, learning, and connecting at the largest HBCU career fair in the nation. pic.twitter.com/FLDOf13ncS

— Troy Vincent, Sr. (@TroyVincentSr) February 20, 2026

Opportunities aplenty at the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair pic.twitter.com/tHdfNkMAu0

— HBCU LEGACY BOWL (@HBCULegacyBowl) February 20, 2026

It’s Now a Tentpole Event

Today, the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is a major postseason event that introduces HBCU athletes to the professional draft process. Past players have been recognized by leagues like the NFL, CFL, UFL, and the European league. In recent years, pro organizations have signed HBCU players after evaluating them during Bowl week.

It’s a fact not lost in Berry’s eyes.  "Not many of our universities, the HBCUs, are going to have all 32 teams at our pro days. So why not come out here? It's beautiful here in New Orleans.”

Another component of 'HBCU Legacy Bowl Week' is the career fair on Thursday and Friday. While most participants won’t play pro football, they will look to start careers in their chosen fields.  

Over 100 employers came to New Orleans to offer job opportunities to hundreds of players and HBCU students. Many received on-site offers, especially from the title game sponsor, Allstate.

Berry said, 'Showcase your talents not just on the field, but also how you interview, speak, and present yourself professionally. It’s a week-long job interview.'

LB Erick Hunter | Credit: HBCU Legacy Bowl

Staying Hungry

After the game, Berry will turn his focus back to defending South Carolina State’s national title. The Bulldogs secured their championship with a dramatic 40-38, four-overtime victory in the 2025 Celebration Bowl, rallying from a 21-0 deficit.

“When adversity struck, like when we were down 21-nothing, the guys never wavered. They persevered and saw it through,” Berry said. “We keep a hunter mentality—staying hungry and humble.”

He believes that same mentality applies to Legacy Bowl participants chasing their professional dreams.

Rev. Jesse Jackson visits the Detroit Free Press editorial board on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 in the Detroit Free Press Stevie Wonder conference room. | Mandi Wright / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Honoring Jesse Jackson

Berry, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., also reflected on the impact of Civil Rights leader Jesse Jackson, who played football at North Carolina A&T State University.

“My condolences to his family,” Berry said. “I thank him for his impact—not just on me, but on everyone. He paved the way for opportunities I have now, and I’m grateful.”

South Carolina State Bulldogs head coach Chennis Berry reflects on the 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl. @coachberry77 | @HBCULegacyBowl | @hbculegends | @ktmoze | https://t.co/lFLVfIPQtb pic.twitter.com/XSVModIRJn

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) February 25, 2024

Championship Pedigree on the Sidelines

Four championship head coaches will pace the sidelines Saturday. Berry and Maurice Flowers of Johnson C. Smith University lead Team Gaither. Team Robinson features Tremaine Jackson of Prairie View A&M University and Quinn Gray Sr., who represented Albany State University before taking over at Florida A&M.

“It’s been great working with these coaches,” Berry said. “We’ve shared and exchanged ideas this week.”

Last Thoughts

Berry is a humble, hard-working coach. With over 30 years on the sidelines and three national championship trophies (1 Division I, 2 Division II), his persistence stands out—a philosophy he shares with today’s players.  

“You owe it to yourself to play in this first-class event. The experience throughout the week and the career fair help these young men compete for jobs in life.”

The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl airs at 3 p.m. CT on NFL Network and HBCU GO. Steve Wyche, Bucky Brooks and Charles Davis will call the game, with Sheree Burruss reporting from Yulman Stadium.