In mid-October, as the Atlanta Falcons prepared to face the San Francisco 49ers, KhaDarel Hodge stood out not for his football gear or playmaking skills, but for a distinct letterman jacket. Gifted in partnership with HBCU Pride NFL, this jacket featured unique HBCU insignias and leather accents, drawing significant attention both on the tarmac in Flowery Branch, Georgia, and across social media platforms. Hodge’s prominent display highlighted his ongoing commitment to advocating for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a cause deeply connected to his personal and professional journey.
Hodge, a wide receiver and Pro Bowl special teamer for the Falcons, has used his platform since entering the NFL to elevate the status of HBCU programs. His trajectory reflects the often overlooked talent and significance of these institutions within professional football.
The Foundation of Hodge’s Football Path at HBCUs
KhaDarel Hodge’s collegiate football years were spread across multiple institutions, starting at Alcorn State and a stint at Hinds Community College before settling at Prairie View A&M. At Prairie View A&M, he matured into a standout player, accumulating 1,797 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. His performance earned him first-team All-SWAC honors and recognition as a Black College All-American. These experiences, Hodge says, were instrumental in shaping both his skills on the field and his character off it.
This is where I grew up,
Hodge stated during a recent visit celebrating Black History Month on campus.
I became a man here at PV.
Overcoming the Odds as an Undrafted HBCU Athlete
Despite his college achievements, Hodge was not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, a situation he anticipated given the low draft numbers from HBCUs in recent years. Since 2010, only 36 players from HBCUs have been drafted into the NFL, a statistic that underscores the challenges these athletes face for recognition and opportunity.
I know that HBCU athletes are slept on,
Hodge acknowledged.
You just gotta take that to heart and you have to look at it like I’m just as good as those guys, no matter how much work I gotta put in, I’m going to keep proving to you and whoever else said I can’t do it, to show that I can do it and I am good enough.
Hodge’s perseverance has been evident as he moved through stints with the Rams, Browns, and Lions before establishing a firm footing with the Falcons in 2022. There, he has earned respect both as a dependable depth receiver and an exceptional special teams player.
Highlighting the Quality and Pride of HBCU Players
Hodge actively challenges the perception that HBCU athletes are less capable than those from more resource-rich programs. He points out that although other institutions may have more funding, the competitiveness and quality of HBCU athletes are on par.
We’re D1 just like y’all are D1,
Hodge said emphatically.
(Other programs) probably have a little more resources than we have right now, but we are just as good as you are. We are prideful about what we do.
This pride is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness and resources for HBCU programs, which are increasingly gaining support through partnerships and initiatives such as the NFL’s annual HBCU Combine and organizations like HBCU Elite.
The Enduring Influence of HBCUs on NFL History
Despite current challenges, HBCUs hold a distinguished place in the history of professional football. Although players from these institutions represent a small fraction of today’s football population, nearly 10 percent of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees—35 of 371 members—are HBCU alumni. This legacy includes some of the game’s all-time greats.
Icons like Jerry Rice, who attended Mississippi Valley State and leads the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, demonstrate the remarkable talent cultivated at HBCUs. Michael Strahan, once the single-season sack record holder, comes from Texas Southern, and Bob Hayes, the only athlete to earn both a Super Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal, attended Florida A&M. The NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, named after a celebrated Jackson State alum, further symbolizes the deep tie between the league and HBCU heritage.
Personal Reflections on Growth and Legacy at Prairie View A&M
KhaDarel Hodge credits Prairie View A&M not only as the place where his athletic talents developed but as the environment that helped him discover himself amid uncertainty in his early college career. Returning to campus brings emotional resonance and affirmation for Hodge, whose personal evolution parallels his athletic success.
I came here lost, Hodge reflected.
I didn’t really know what I was going to as far as my football career or academically so this is where I grew up, where I found who I was. I disciplined myself. So, when I come back here it’s always smiles, good times. I get chills every time I walk on the field.
The Road Ahead for HBCUs and Their Advocates in the NFL
The trajectory of KhaDarel Hodge and others underscores an evolving but still challenging landscape for HBCU athletes striving for NFL opportunities and recognition. Incremental improvements—such as increased funding for HBCUs, new platforms like the HBCU Combine, and vocal advocacy from players like Hodge—signal progress. Yet, the broader football community must continue addressing disparities in resources and visibility to fully unlock the vast talent pool within these historically significant institutions.
As a prominent HBCU advocate within the NFL, KhaDarel Hodge’s journey exemplifies how perseverance and pride can elevate not only an individual’s career but also the legacy and future of Black colleges and universities in professional sports.
