Two Spartans Graduate to the NFL

Two former Norfolk State football players will get their crack at making an NFL roster. Former Spartan defensive end De'Shaan Dixon has signed a free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while former NSU receiver Marcque Ellington accepted an invitation to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp.

Dixon racked up 54 tackles and recorded a MEAC-high 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks in his senior season with the Spartans, earning first-team all-conference honors. He was one of four players to represent NSU at the 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans.

As a junior, Dixon received an All-MEAC third-team selection as he took an increased role in the Spartans' defense. He totaled 61 tackles,  seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and seven quarterback hurries.

Like Dixon, Ellington spent five years in the Spartan program. For his career, he caught 55 passes for 671 yards and five touchdowns in 38 games played. He caught 25 passes for 302 yards and two scores as a junior in 2019. In 2021, Ellington made three touchdown receptions and hauled in 22 passes altogether.

Dixon and Ellington are looking to join a prestigious group of Spartan alumni to get their chance in the NFL. The last Spartan to sign with the NFL was former All-MEAC safety Bobby Price, who recently completed his second year with the Detroit Lions.