Desean Jackson Got Pacman Jones To Pledge $100K For Delaware State's NIL

The friendly exchange between the former NFL stars is proof how he and Michael Vick can leverage their star power to attract NIL money.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Eagles and current Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Eagles and current Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. / Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

One of the reasons Delaware State hired Deseasn Jackson as the Hornets' new head football coach is what happened in real-time on The Pacman Jones Show, sponsored by BetOnline. Although it occurred two weeks ago, there has been little discussion about the exchange between these former NFL stars.

The friendly banter turned into a $100K NIL pledge and proves Desean Jackson's arrival at Delaware State may have a more profound impact than most realize.

Jackson was officially introduced at the press conference held by DSU the day before. The next day, while driving in his car, the new coach was a guest on Jones' show.  

During the appearance, Adam "Pacman" Jones brought up the topic of NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, which led to a discussion that turned into a pledge.

Jackson challenged the former All-Pro cornerback to establish the "Pacman Jones NIL" deal. "We're gonna get Pacman to donate to put the money here. We got some NIL money coming."

Jones accepted the terms should the Hornets win 7.5 games during the 2025 season. After pushback from Jackson to lower the number because he's walking into a program that won just two games in the past two seasons, Jones and Jackson settled on 6.5 games - eventually still seven.

"We only won two games the past two years," Jackson said. He continued, "Give me 5½, six, just in the first year."   

The funniest part happened after Jackson mentioned, "You got the money, young cuz, I know you!" Jones replied, "You got way more money. Here. But charity is good charity money. So this is what I'll do. I'll do six and a half games, and we'll donate a $100,000."    Jackson said, "That's love playa."

Desean Jackson
Former Philadelphia Eagle DeSean Jackson speaks at a introductory event as he is named Delaware State University's head football coach in Dover, Del., Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025. / William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ultimately, the significance isn't whether Delaware State wins seven games this season. It's the star power and influence of Desean Jackson.  

The focus is having former NFL stars like him or Michael Vick(Norfolk State) leverage their celebrity to assist their HBCU football programs' underfunded NIL funds.

Delaware State has been on a winning drought and hasn't been MEAC champions since 2007. It's the same year the Hornets posted a 10-2 record and earned a trip to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs.

Jackson and Vick, just like Deion Sanders, can draw in the other luminaries who want to align with their magnetism. Will it produce the success Coach Prime had at Jackson State?   

The early results are proving to be great. Both coaches have brought in 3-5 star recruits committing to the DSU and NSU. It could become a pivotal shift in the MEAC.  

For now, Jackson and Vick are diligently working to assemble competitive squads that will challenge South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, Morgan State, and Howard.



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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: