HBCU Original at NFL Pro Bowl Week – Featuring KhaDarel Hodge & NFL Stars! 🏈🔥

This year’s NFL Pro Bowl Week was a powerful showcase of talent, unity, and the growing impact of HBCUs in professional football. HBCU Original was on the ground, capturing the action, bringing exclusive coverage of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver and Prairie View A&M alumnus, KhaDarel Hodge, and other NFL stars.

Hodge didn’t just represent his team—he represented ALL HBCUs at the Pro Bowl, proving that HBCU talent deserves to be recognized at the highest level! In our 1-on-1 interview, he shared his journey, his thoughts on the rising presence of HBCUs in the league, and how he hopes to inspire the next generation of HBCU athletes.

But we didn’t stop there—we also spoke with some of the biggest names in the NFL, including:
🏈 Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings)
🏈 Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
🏈 Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants)
🏈 Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
🏈 James Cook (Buffalo Bills)

They all shared their perspectives on HBCU representation, the evolution of the game, and how the league continues to recognize and celebrate HBCU talent.

2025 NFL Pro Bowl Rosters – Full List

AFC Pro Bowl Roster

Offense

• Quarterbacks: Josh Allen (Bills)*, Joe Burrow (Bengals), Lamar Jackson (Ravens) → (Replaced by Drake Maye, Patriots)
• Running Backs: Derrick Henry (Ravens)* → (Replaced by James Cook, Bills), Joe Mixon (Texans), Jonathan Taylor (Colts)
• Wide Receivers: Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals), Jerry Jeudy (Browns), Nico Collins (Texans), Zay Flowers (Ravens) → (Replaced by Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars)
• Tight Ends: Brock Bowers (Raiders)*, Travis Kelce (Chiefs) → (Replaced by Jonnu Smith, Dolphins)
• Offensive Line: Dion Dawkins (Bills), Laremy Tunsil (Texans) → (Replaced by Ronnie Stanley, Ravens), Rashawn Slater (Chargers)

Defense

• Defensive Ends: Myles Garrett (Browns), Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), Maxx Crosby (Raiders) → (Replaced by Danielle Hunter, Texans)
• Linebackers: Roquan Smith (Ravens)* → (Replaced by Patrick Queen, Steelers), Zaire Franklin (Colts)
• Cornerbacks: Derek Stingley Jr. (Texans), Patrick Surtain II (Broncos), Marlon Humphrey (Ravens), Denzel Ward (Browns)

Special Teams

• Return Specialist: Marvin Mims Jr. (Broncos)*
• Special Teamer: Brenden Schooler (Patriots)* → (Replaced by Miles Killebrew, Steelers)

NFC Pro Bowl Roster

Offense

• Quarterbacks: Jared Goff (Lions)*, Jayden Daniels (Commanders) → (Replaced by Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers), Sam Darnold (Vikings)
• Running Backs: Saquon Barkley (Eagles)* → (Replaced by Bijan Robinson, Falcons), Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions), Josh Jacobs (Packers)
• Wide Receivers: Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions) → (Replaced by Malik Nabers, Giants), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) → (Replaced by Mike Evans, Buccaneers), Terry McLaurin (Commanders) → (Replaced by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks)
• Tight Ends: George Kittle (49ers)*, Trey McBride (Cardinals)

Defense

• Defensive Ends: Nick Bosa (49ers), Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Rashan Gary (Packers)
• Linebackers: Fred Warner (49ers)*, Zack Baun (Eagles) → (Replaced by Bobby Wagner, Commanders)
• Cornerbacks: Jaylon Johnson (Bears), Byron Murphy (Vikings), Jaycee Horn (Panthers), Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks)

Special Teams

• Return Specialist: KaVontae Turpin (Cowboys)*
• Special Teamer: KhaDarel Hodge (Falcons) 🔥 Representing HBCUs!

HBCU Representation at the NFL Pro Bowl

With KhaDarel Hodge earning a Pro Bowl selection, it’s clear that HBCUs continue to leave a lasting impact on professional football. His journey from Prairie View A&M to the NFL is proof that HBCU athletes belong on the biggest stages.

As HBCUs gain more recognition, the pipeline from HBCUs to the NFL is stronger than ever. The Pro Bowl is just another milestone in a movement that continues to grow each year.

HBCU Original will always be there to tell these stories, uplift these athletes, and show the world the power of HBCU sports! 🔥🏆

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#HBCUOriginal #ProBowl #KhaDarelHodge #HBCUFootball #NFL #AtlantaFalcons #JustinJefferson #MikeEvans #DexterLawrence #DrakeMaye #JamesCook #HBCUExcellence #HBCUPride

🏆 The energy was electric at the HBCU Showcase Sponsored by KPMG, held on January 18, 2025, where athletes displayed exceptional talent and determination in track and field events. HBCU Original was on-site to witness the action firsthand and celebrate the achievements of these phenomenal teams and individuals.

This prestigious event brought together HBCUs from across the nation to compete and showcase their athletic excellence. The competition was fierce, and both the women’s and men’s teams delivered outstanding performances.

Women’s Team Scores:

1️⃣ Hampton University – 120
2️⃣ Howard University – 95
3️⃣ Florida A&M University – 80
4️⃣ Prairie View A&M University – 75
5️⃣ Norfolk State University – 66
6️⃣ University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) – 33
7️⃣ Virginia State University – 19
8️⃣ Winston-Salem State University – 14
8️⃣ University of the District of Columbia (UDC) – 14
🔟 Lincoln University (Pa.) – 12
🔟 Coppin State University – 11
🔟 Central State University – 10
🔟 Chicago State University – 9
🔟 Virginia Union University – 6
🔟 Bowie State University – 6
🔟 West Virginia State University – 6
🔟 Morgan State University – 2

Men’s Team Scores:

1️⃣ Norfolk State University – 126.5
2️⃣ Florida A&M University – 62
3️⃣ Coppin State University – 51
4️⃣ Hampton University – 46
5️⃣ Prairie View A&M University – 43.5
6️⃣ University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) – 41
7️⃣ Chicago State University – 39
8️⃣ Virginia Union University – 31
8️⃣ Virginia State University – 31
🔟 Howard University – 22
🔟 Bowie State University – 19
🔟 West Virginia State University – 18
🔟 Morgan State University – 18
🔟 Johnson C. Smith University – 15
🔟 Lincoln University (Pa.) – 12
🔟 Central State University – 9

A Weekend to Remember

FINAL SCORES AND TIME CLICK HERE

From record-breaking performances to personal bests, the athletes left it all on the track, making their schools and fans proud. With the support of KPMG as the event sponsor, the spotlight on HBCU talent continues to grow, shining a well-deserved light on these exceptional institutions.

HBCU Original Coverage

As always, HBCU Original remains committed to highlighting the excellence of HBCU athletics, academics, and culture. Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, event highlights, and more from this memorable event.

👏 Congratulations to all the participating teams and athletes for their dedication and outstanding performances!

#HBCUShowcase, #KPMG, #HBCUOriginal, #HBCUSports, #TrackAndField, #HamptonUniversity, #HowardUniversity, #FloridaA&M, #PrairieViewAM, #NorfolkState, #UMES, #VirginiaState, #WinstonSalemState, #UDC, #LincolnUniversity, #CoppinState, #CentralState, #ChicagoState, #VirginiaUnion, #BowieState, #WestVirginiaState, #MorganState, #JohnsonCSmith

🎳 This weekend, the lanes are alive with excitement as MEAC Women’s Bowling teams take center stage at the Women’s Bowling Northeast Classic, hosted by Sacred Heart University. The event is being held at the Bowlerama Lanes in New Castle, Delaware, where top teams are showcasing their skills and determination.

Representing the MEAC at this prestigious event are powerhouse teams from:

• Delaware State University
• Norfolk State University
• Morgan State University
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Howard University Bisons

This highly anticipated tournament brings together top collegiate bowling programs from across the region, offering fierce competition and thrilling performances. For fans of HBCU sports, this is a golden opportunity to witness the talent and dedication of these amazing athletes.

HBCU Original is on-site providing exclusive coverage of the action. Be sure to stay connected for updates, match highlights, and standout moments as the weekend unfolds.

📍 Event Details:

• Event: Women’s Bowling Northeast Classic
• Host: Sacred Heart University
• Location: Bowlerama Lanes, New Castle, Delaware
• Dates: This weekend

Let’s rally behind these incredible HBCU athletes as they compete and represent their schools with pride. Follow HBCU Original for ongoing coverage and support for our teams!

#MEACBowling #HBCUOriginal #WomensBowling #HBCUSports #BowlingNortheastClassic #DelawareState #NorfolkState #MorganState #UMES #NorthCarolinaAT #HowardBisons

GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T head coach Shawn Gibbs unveiled his coaching staff on Monday, featuring familiar faces and strong ties to A&T Aggies history.

A&T graduate Denzel Jones takes the helm as defensive coordinator, marking his return to Aggieland. Former Howard University quarterback Greg McGhee joins as the offensive coordinator.

Several key members of past A&T coaching staffs are also returning, including offensive line coach Ron Mattes, wide receivers coach Nate Poole, running backs coach Keith Henry, outside linebackers coach Terry Lantz, tight ends coach Stephen Barnette, and assistant linebackers coach Alex Purviance.

Another notable addition is defensive backs coach Tony McRae, a celebrated A&T alumnus and former standout on defense and special teams. Rounding out the staff is defensive line coach OC Williams II, with Theric Holt appointed as the director of football operations.

“I’m thrilled about the staff we’ve put together,” said Gibbs. “Many of them have deep connections to A&T and have excelled in both HBCU football and professional arenas.”

Defensive Coordinator: Denzel Jones

Jones played for A&T from 2012 to 2015, earning Defensive MVP at the inaugural Celebration Bowl. After three successful seasons as Gibbs’ defensive coordinator at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where the Wildcats led Division II in total defense and rush defense in 2024, he returns to coach A&T’s linebackers alongside his coordinator duties.

Offensive Coordinator: Greg McGhee

McGhee, a former MEAC Offensive Player of the Year (2013, 2014), is a Howard University Hall of Famer. He previously coached quarterbacks and served as passing game coordinator at Howard, following stints at West Liberty University. McGhee remains the MEAC’s all-time leader in total yards and completions. Alongside his coordinator role, he will coach A&T’s quarterbacks.

Returning Coaches

• Ron Mattes: Returning for his 10th season, Mattes has developed standout offensive linemen, including Atlanta Falcons tackle Brandon Parker.
• Nate Poole: Since 2020, Poole has mentored top receivers like Zachary Leslie and Ger-Cari Caldwell.
• Keith Henry: Transitioning from safeties to running backs coach after two seasons.
• Terry Lantz: Former defensive coordinator at Averett, Lantz previously served A&T under Rod Broadway and Sam Washington.

New and Familiar Faces

• Tony McRae: A former NFL player and dynamic return specialist during his time at A&T, McRae returns after coaching at NC Central, where he contributed to the 2022 Celebration Bowl victory.
• OC Williams II and Theric Holt: Both coached under Gibbs at FVSU, contributing to the Wildcats’ dominance in 2024. Williams will coach the defensive line, while Holt transitions to director of football operations.

The Aggies kick off their season on Saturday, August 30, against Tennessee State. With a blend of seasoned coaches and fresh perspectives, Gibbs’ staff aims to elevate A&T football to new heights.

Jordyn Dorsey delivered a standout performance Friday night, scoring a game-high 16 points to propel North Carolina A&T to a commanding 65-49 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens at the Bob Carpenter Center. The win marked the Aggies’ fifth consecutive triumph, improving their record to 7-7 overall and 3-0 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play.

Dorsey, who played 38 minutes, was efficient on offense, making five field goals and going 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. She was supported by Paris Locke, who contributed 13 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes. Maleia Bracone and Chaniya Clark added eight points each to round out the Aggies’ balanced scoring attack.

The Aggies dominated the glass, outrebounding Delaware 43-28, including an 18-4 edge in offensive rebounds. This led to a 19-7 advantage in second-chance points, further demonstrating A&T’s physicality and control of the game.

The contest was closely contested through the first three quarters, with both teams trading leads. However, A&T’s second-ranked scoring defense in the CAA took over in the fourth quarter, holding Delaware to 0-for-8 shooting from the field. Offensively, the Aggies opened the final period with six unanswered points to stretch their lead to 12 and never looked back.

“We know that when our shots aren’t falling, we can always count on our defense,” said head coach Tarrell Robinson. “Tonight was a great example of our defense creating offense and our rebounding giving us second chances to score.”

The Aggies shot an impressive 51.1% inside the arc (24-for-47) despite struggling from beyond it (2-for-14). Locke sealed the game with a powerful drive and scoop layup late in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 60-48 with just over two minutes remaining.

Delaware’s Tara Cousins led her team with 15 points, but the Blue Hens dropped to 3-10 overall and 0-3 in conference play. North Carolina A&T will now turn their attention to Towson, where they will face the Tigers on Sunday at 2 p.m.