Being a football head coach is akin to drinking from a poisoned chalice. It’s a perpetual tryst with chasing acknowledgment that will never arrive. No matter how much you succeed, whatever success means to you, it’s a hapless job. Yet, there are certain exceptional coaches who demand attention. Some through their antics, others through their acumen. Unfortunately, the football realm has just lost one such coach. Someone whose success isn’t just measured in hardware. But also by how he molded and developed raw talent into icons such as Michael Vick. In light of his tragic passing, there’s naturally a somber mood sweeping across those who loved him. But it’s also an opportunity for him to receive his due credit.

This trending archetype of QB that you adore most and yearn for at your favorite team? The legitimate dual threat that’s as athletic as he is surgical, a la Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, and more recently, Jayden Daniels? The pioneer of this style of quarterbacking is Michael Vick. Conceded, he’s a polarizing figure due to some very egregious off-field stuff he cannot be absolved of. But for who he was on the field, there’s little cynicism sent his way. Vick was a force, a trailblazer who ushered in a new dynamic altogether. But most casual fans see the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. More plugged-in ones know how unbelievable he was in college. However, all of this esteem was cultivated in high school. Even Michael Vick’s wife, Kijafa Vick, mourns the passing of his Warwick High head coach and ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Tommy Reamon Sr.

Tommy Reamon had an illustrious playing career as a tailback. He was a 2x National JuCo POTY before transferring to Mizzou. He then went on to get drafted by and represent the Steelers in 1974 and even the now-defunct Florida Blazers of the WFL. Even winning the MVP in the latter league. But Reamon is best known for his career as a high school coach. Michael Vick is the crown jewel of his disciples. But fellow NFL quarterback Aaron Brooks, most famous for his time with the Saints, is also a branch off the Reamon tree. He passed away due to a stroke in the early hours of May 22nd. Reamon was 73. After this somber news was announced over his son’s IG handle through a graphic, Kijafa Vick took to her own IG and offered condolences in an understated yet appreciative gesture.

Kijafa Vick, who presumably had a relationship with Tommy Reamon owing to Michael Vick, shared the aforementioned Ig post and graphic on her stories. There was no caption to accompany it. But she added the Fridayy and Meek Mill song “Proud of Me.” The lyrics of which are a nice little detail in tribute to Reamon and everything he did for her husband’s career. Norfolk State, whose new head coach is Michael Vick himself, also issued an official statement for Reamon via Vick. 

“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,” it read. It’s morbidly poetic how Vick’s first-ever foray into the coaching realm has coincided with the passing of his “mentor.” He’d sure hope to do him proud and keep his legacy on the sidelines going. Tommy Reamon’s namesake son also wrote and posted a very heartfelt message for his old man over social media.

Tommy Reamon Jr.’s homage to his father trumps anything Michael Vick or his wife could’ve done

“It’s hard to put into words what this loss means. My dad wasn’t just my father- he was my hero, my biggest supporter and my blueprint for what it means to lead, love and serve with a purpose,” began Tommy Reamon Jr., A blueprint that even Michael Vick will seek to emulate at Norfolk State. “Being his son has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” proceeded Reamon Jr. That’s beautiful, and epitomizes the kind of man that Reamon Sr was.

“He gave his heart to everyone he met. He had a gift for seeing potential in people before they could see it in themselves,” continued the soliloquy. This isn’t about Vick whatsoever and is something bigger than him. Although you can’t help but draw the parallels to him. “He didn’t just teach football- he taught life…I’m proud to be his son. I carry his name, his values and everything he poured into me- and I promise, I will continue to make him proud…Rest easy, Pops. Your legacy lives on through all of us. I love you forever.”

Begrudgingly, it’s often the case that people only receive their flowers once they’ve passed. Both in the literal and figurative sense. It’s amazing to see that Tommy Reamon was cherished as much as this. By his own family, as well as by the families of players he coached. May his soul rest in peace.