Michael Vick is more than a subject of debate; he’s a lightning rod. Not because of his talent, but because of his dark past that clings to his name. This man faced the fallout, took accountability, and worked hard to make amends, yet that dog-fighting scandal still carves a deep divide. Some have forgiven him; others never will. But when the discussion turns to football, the narrative shifts dramatically. Vick, the quarterback, is almost beyond reproach. He didn’t just play the position; he redefined it. He transformed mistakes into magic, reshaped defenses, and paved the way for quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Behind his transformation stood Coach Tommy Reamon, a mentor who saw his potential before anyone else. But now, that guiding light is gone.

Legendary Hampton Roads football coach Tommy Reamon passed away on May 22 at age 73. After a 34-year coaching career at six high schools, most recently Denbigh High (where he retired in December), Reamon’s greatest success came at Landstown High. There, he led the Eagles to a 12-1 record and the D6 Eastern Regional Playoff title, establishing himself as a Virginia prep football icon. Well, his son Tommy Reamon Jr. broke this heartbreaking news to 13News, remembering his father not just as a coach but as a man who turned people’s lives.

“He didn’t just teach football — he taught life,” Reamon Jr. said. “Discipline, character, resilience, compassion — those were his real lessons, and he lived them every single day.” Coach Reamon’s path to the sidelines was anything but ordinary: a two-time National Junior College Player of the Year, he starred at Missouri, was drafted by the Steelers, and even earned MVP honors in the World Football League. Well, he didn’t just mentor numerous future stars; he made a lasting impact on them. Under Reamon’s mentorship at Ferguson and Warwick High School, Vick developed into one of the most electric quarterbacks of his generation. And became a big name in the NFL, playing for teams like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.

But Tommy Reamon’s presence in Michael Vick‘s life is more than a mentor. He was his friend too, who encouraged him to take up the HC job at the Norfolk State Spartans team. He was the one supporting Vick’s transition from a player to an HC and also praised his new role and said, “Just that word, wow, because it’s going to change the culture. It’s going to change the culture at Norfolk State.” Losing someone who stands by you in every phase of your life isn’t that easy. And Michael Vick’s loss is unbelievable. As he paid tribute to the legendary coach, stating, “A friendship that lasted a lifetime Words can’t explain… Love you forever, Coach Tommy Reamon. 😔” 

But if you think that Tommy Reamon’s life was just content to field, then you are wrong. He worked in Hollywood, acting in more than 18 shows and movies—like ‘North Dallas Forty’—before returning home to passionately coach high school theater, mentoring students at schools including Ferguson, Warwick, Landstown, Gloucester, and Denbigh.  For everyone, he might be the world’s greatest coach and a person who always has your back, but for Tommy Jr., he was his father, and he simply put out his emotions, saying, “To so many, he was Coach Reamon — a mentor, a motivator, a life-changer. But to me, he was simply Dad.”

However, Tommy Jr. and Michael Vick aren’t the only ones mourning over their tragic loss. Even Michael’s brother Marcus Vick on his IG stories paid tribute to him, saying, “Love you coach, thanks for everything 😢🥹.” Marcus’ sister-in-law, Kijafa Vick, also extends prayers for Reamon in her IG stories; that shows how close Vick’s family holds him. The loss cuts deep, not just for the Vicks and Reamon’s family, but for the entire HBCU community.

HBCUs lost a voice fighting for their programs

Tommy Reamon was more than a coach; he was a passionate champion of HBCU programs. Year after year, he guided countless student-athletes to schools like Norfolk State, Hampton University, and Virginia State. His tireless work highlighted the power of HBCU football to develop future leaders on and off the field.

Norfolk State University athletics mourned the passing of Coach Reamon, announcing, “The Norfolk State University athletic department is saddened to hear of the passing of local football legend Tommy Reamon. Coach Reamon was a one-of-a-kind figure who impacted countless members of the Hampton Roads community – including our head football coach, Michael Vick. He will be deeply missed. At this time, we request privacy for Coach Vick and his family as they mourn the loss of a close friend and longtime mentor.” Reamon’s passing marks the end of an incredible era, but his legacy endures.

This man dedicated his life to HBCU football, transforming lives and uplifting communities. His impact will continue to inspire future generations.