ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith visits DSU ahead of homecoming game

DOVER, Del. – On this year’s tour of HBCUs, ESPN set up its “First Take” production in the center of Delaware State University’s gym, broadcasting live as students cheered and showed off their Hornet Pride.

Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith sat down with former Eagles wide receiver turned DSU head football coach, DeSean Jackson to talk about their big game against Norfolk State, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly.

“The day he got hired as the coach, he called me and he asked me to come here, and I promised him I would be here,” Smith said. “It’s a promise that was easy to fulfill; it was something that I wanted to do, but it has a lot to do with him, as well. He’s a great guy.”

But the conversation with went beyond sports. An HBCU graduate himself, Smith said showing up for these universities is what ignites a passion for students to pursue careers in journalism, making for a more diverse industry.

“Anytime you address the issue of diversity, that goes a long way towards people believing that their perspectives are contextualized properly– that the messages that they want disseminated is getting out there in its proper fashion– and I think that’s incredibly beneficial to society as a whole,” Smith said.

Marking a significantly improved season, Smith credits Jackson for his commitment to molding not just football stars, but leaders.

“He’s not just a football mind and a former football player, but he’s somebody that cares about the students, the student athletes, and uplifting them in any way that he possibly can,” Smith said.