The Virginia soccer group is mourning the lack of one among its most beloved figures. Tommy Reamon, a former NFL operating again and legendary highschool coach, handed away at 73. His legacy is deeply rooted in mentorship, notably his transformative affect on athletes like Michael Vick, the brand new head HBCU soccer coach at Norfolk State College.
From NFL Fields to Excessive College Sidelines
Born in Virgilinia, Virginia, Reamon started his soccer journey at George Washington Carver Excessive College and went on to shine on the College of Missouri. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974, Reamon’s profession later took him into teaching, the place he made a long-lasting impression on highschool soccer within the Hampton Roads space of Virginia.
Guiding Michael Vick to Greatness
Among the many many younger athletes Reamon coached, none stood out greater than Michael Vick. Beneath Reamon’s mentorship at Ferguson and Warwick Excessive Faculties, Vick developed into probably the most electrical quarterbacks of his technology. Reamon noticed Vick’s potential early—and never simply on the sector.
He pushed Vick to contemplate teaching lengthy earlier than it grew to become a actuality. That persistence paid off when Vick was named the pinnacle soccer coach at Norfolk State College, Virginia’s largest HBCU, in December 2024.
Reamon’s Pleasure—and a Highly effective Blueprint
Reamon praised Vick’s new position as a game-changer for Norfolk State. “Simply that phrase, wow, as a result of it’s going to vary the tradition,” he advised WTKR. “It’s going to vary the tradition at Norfolk State.”
He even sees Vick following within the footsteps of Deion Sanders, whose faculty teaching profession started with outstanding success in HBCU soccer at Jackson State. “He’s the mannequin,” Reamon mentioned of Sanders. “Tomorrow, day one among work, that boy Michael will do precisely what Deion Sanders is doing.”
In accordance with Reamon, Vick has already spoken with Sanders and has a blueprint. Whereas transitioning from NFL famous person to HBCU head coach is uncharted territory, Reamon had little doubt: “He’s going to be an ideal one,” he smiled. “He’s been round good instructing.”
Reamon was greater than a coach—a passionate advocate for HBCU packages. Over time, he guided numerous student-athletes towards establishments like Norfolk State, Hampton College, and Virginia State. His work helped shine a highlight on the facility of HBCU soccer to form future leaders each on and off the sector.
A Legacy That Lives On
Tommy Reamon’s passing marks the top of an period, however his legacy will endure. Via his mentorship of Michael Vick and steadfast help of HBCU soccer, Reamon remodeled lives and elevated communities. His affect might be felt for generations to return.
