Earlier this month, Tommy Reamon, physical education teacher and head varsity football coach at Landstown High School, brought his message of hope and perseverance to young men at both the Buckingham and Dillwyn Correctional Centers in central Virginia.

As part of the Department of Correctional Education’s celebration of Black History Month, Reamon shared experiences from his standout high school career at Carver High School in Newport News and his subsequent playing days at the University of Missouri. Reamon went on to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and finished his NFL playing career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Reamon also played in the former World Football League, where he excelled with the Florida Blazers and was named league Most Valuable Player in 1974.

Reamon was met with great enthusiasm as he spoke of the importance of self-improvement and the value of education.

“Mr. Reamon did an outstanding job motivating, encouraging and uplifting our audience,” said Dr. Wendy Lyle-Jones, principal of Dillwyn’s adult school.

Reamon, who has led his teams to more than 120 career victories and helped some 360 student-athletes earn collegiate scholarships, also highlighted the invaluable nature of communication skills, which he himself honed as a member of the film industry and actor in the football classic, “North Dallas Forty.”