DSU welcomes new Hornet Head Football Coach DeSean Jackson
Delaware State University publicly ushered in a new chapter of Hornet football by introducing newly hired Head Football Coach DeSean Jackson to the DSU and at-large communities.
In the follow-up to the Dec. 27 announcement of DSU’s hiring of the former three-time NFL All-Pro standout, the University held a Jan. 8 media event in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on campus, where Coach Jackson made the first public statement of his new tenure:
“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished alumni, faculty and staff, students and supporters, thank you for being here today. First and foremost, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to God for this incredible opportunity. I am also thankful for my family, whose unwavering support has been a foundation in my life.
“A special thanks go out to Dr. Allen, Dr. Hawkins, Tony Tucker, and Drew Ingraham for believing in me and entrusting me with the honor of leading this football program at Delaware State University. I stand here today humbled and ready to embrace the responsibility of developing our student-athletes. My commitment is to instill in them the value of hard work, discipline, and pride as they represent this prestigious University. We will be a team that emphasizes excellence on and off the field.
“I promise you this: our players will be well-prepared, well-conditioned, and, most importantly, fun to watch. I am excited about this challenge ahead and the journey we will embark on together. As we move forward, I will surround myself with a coaching staff that includes my lifelong friend and mentor, Assistant Head Coach Travis Clark, and my support team, who are not only capable but are also passionate about our vision here at DSU. Together, we will build a program that reflects the vision of Dr. Allen and the heart of our great community.
“So, I ask you, Dover, are you ready to embrace this challenge? (A strong chorus of cheers and ‘Yes Sir!!!!’ from those in attendance responded.)
“Lastly, my ultimate goal is to get these young men right here to achieve academic excellence and depart with a four-year degree.” 
Coach Jackson, a Los Angeles native from the Crenshaw district, played 15 seasons in the NFL with notable stints in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, all of which are areas of primary recruiting emphasis for Delaware State University. Jackson began his career as a big-play wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles and holds the record for most 60+ and 80+ yard catches in NFL history. A three-time Pro Bowler, Jackson also played for the Los Angeles Rams, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: STUDENTS FIRST,” said Tony Tucker, DSU Athletics Director and Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics and Wellness.
Prior to the media event, Coach Jackson was welcomed by alumni, University supporters, and elected officials during a reception in the DSU Athletic Hall of Fame Room. There, he shared his philosophy on working with student-athletes, referencing what he learned from one of his coaching mentors—former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach and current Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid.
“The biggest thing about having a role model in a coach is you have to understand the players,” Coach Jackson said. “We are going to get nitty and gritty, we are going to work hard, but I am going to be able to relate and understand my players. How can you expect a young man to trust and believe in you if you don’t know what they have been through and where they want to go? My vision is to help these young men make it to their dream.”