Tommy Reamon facts for kids

Thomas Waverly Reamon Sr. (born March 12, 1952 – died May 22, 2025) was an American football player, actor, and teacher. He lived in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Tommy Reamon played as a running back in three different professional football leagues: the National Football League (NFL), the World Football League (WFL), and the Canadian Football League (CFL). After his playing career, he became a successful high school football coach. He helped many of his students become college and professional football players.

College Football Career

Tommy Reamon started his football journey at George Washington Carver High School in Newport News, Virginia. From 1971 to 1972, he played as a running back at Fort Scott Junior College in Kansas. He was named a two-time National Junior College All-American. He also won the offensive player of the year award.

Reamon led the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) in rushing yards and touchdowns. He helped Fort Scott reach the NJCAA National Championship game twice. They won the first championship and were runners-up in the second. In 1998, he was honored by being inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame. After junior college, he continued his football career at the University of Missouri.

Professional Football Journey

In 1974, Tommy Reamon was drafted by two different professional teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers picked him in the NFL draft. The Florida Blazers also chose him in the World Football League's (WFL) College Draft.

WFL Star Player

Reamon decided to play in the World Football League first. He quickly became a star player for the Florida Blazers. In 1974, he was named one of the league's Most Valuable Players (MVPs). He helped lead the Florida Blazers to the first and only World Bowl game. His team narrowly lost to the Birmingham Americans by a score of 22-21. The next year, in 1975, he joined the Jacksonville Express in the WFL.

Tommy Reamon holds several WFL records. He has the most rushing yards in a single game (189 yards). He also holds the record for most rushing yards in a season (1,576 yards). In the World Bowl, he gained 83 rushing yards, which is also a record.

NFL and CFL Experience

After the WFL stopped playing in 1975, Reamon joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He even scored a touchdown for the Steelers in a special game. This game was played between the NFL Super Bowl Champions and College All-Stars.

Before the 1976 season, the Steelers traded Reamon to the Kansas City Chiefs. In 1976, he gained a total of 750 yards and scored five touchdowns for the Chiefs. In 1977, Reamon played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL. He also had a tryout with the Chicago Bears and played in an exhibition game against the New York Jets. In 1978, he tried out for the Washington Redskins. Even though he was their leading rusher during the pre-season, he was released from the team.

Acting Career

After his football career, Tommy Reamon became an actor. He played the role of Delma Huddle in the 1979 movie North Dallas Forty. He also appeared in several TV shows. He was in multiple episodes of Charlie's Angels between 1978 and 1982. He also had roles in episodes of Quincy, M.E. and The Fall Guy.

High School Football Coaching

Tommy Reamon spent many years coaching football for the Newport News Public Schools. He coached at Ferguson High School until it closed in 1996. Then, he moved to Warwick High School.

From 2006 to early 2008, Coach Reamon worked at Gloucester High School in Gloucester County. His son, Tommy Jr., was a talented quarterback at Gloucester High. Many people thought Tommy Jr. would become a college football star. He received offers from several top college programs. Tommy Jr. chose to play for Old Dominion University in Norfolk. He was part of the very first group of players recruited for their new football program.

Tommy Reamon Sr. later coached at the college level at Virginia Tech. His son, Tommy Jr., also had coaching jobs with the University of Virginia, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the University of Miami.

In April 2008, Reamon became the Head Football coach at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. In 2017, his Landstown Eagles team had a great season, finishing 12-1. They reached the Eastern Regional Playoff final. Reamon led Landstown to the VHSL playoffs in seven of his last ten seasons there.

In 2023, Reamon accepted a new coaching position. He became the head football coach at Denbigh High School in Newport News. He was asked to take this job by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Developing Future Stars

During his time coaching in Newport News, Coach Reamon was known for helping young players develop their skills. He played a big part in guiding future NFL quarterbacks Aaron Brooks and Michael Vick. He also coached Marcus Vick, who is Michael's younger brother.

Reamon helped Aaron Brooks prepare for his move to the University of Virginia. He also assisted both Michael and Marcus Vick when they received full scholarships to Virginia Tech.

After graduating from UVA, Aaron Brooks played for the Green Bay Packers. He was the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints for six years. His last season was in 2006 with the Oakland Raiders. In 2008, Brooks announced plans to invest in a project to improve the East End area of his hometown, Newport News. This project included building new homes, a grocery store, and shops. Brooks said he wanted to "give back to the community" and "make the area better" for the hard-working people who live there.

Personal Life and Passing

Tommy Reamon experienced a stroke in early 2025. He passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 73.