**Frank Beamer Delivers Emotional Farewell Message to Hokies Nation: “From the Bottom of My Heart, Thank You”**
*Blacksburg, VA – April 16, 2025* — In a heartfelt and tearful moment that brought nostalgia and gratitude flooding through the hearts of Virginia Tech faithful, legendary former head coach Frank Beamer delivered an emotional farewell message to fans, formally marking the end of an era that helped define Hokie football and the identity of the university itself.
“To the incredible fans of Virginia Tech,” Beamer began, his voice thick with emotion, “thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for embracing me and my family all these years. Thank you for standing by us, through every win, every loss, and every unforgettable moment in Lane Stadium. You made Blacksburg more than just a place. You made it home.”
Beamer, now 78, has been a symbol of Virginia Tech football for decades. Though he retired from coaching in 2015 after 29 seasons at the helm, he remained actively involved with the university and the sport. Over the years, he has watched his beloved program evolve, proudly observing the growth of the young men he once mentored and continuing to serve as an ambassador for the university.
This week, Beamer announced that he would be stepping away from all official university roles, including his advisory duties and public appearances, choosing to fully retire and spend more time with his family. The decision prompted an outpouring of support, memories, and tributes from alumni, fans, former players, and fellow coaches across the country.
“I’ve had time to reflect,” Beamer continued in his farewell message, which was delivered in a video released by Virginia Tech Athletics. “And every memory comes back with the same feeling — pride. Pride in the Hokies, in what we built together, and in the way we represented this university.”
### A Legacy Etched in Maroon and Orange
Frank Beamer’s story is as interwoven with the history of Virginia Tech as any player, coach, or administrator ever has been. A former Hokie himself — he played cornerback at Virginia Tech from 1966 to 1968 — Beamer returned to his alma mater in 1987 as head coach. What followed was a transformation not only of the football program but of the school’s national profile.
He compiled a remarkable 238-121-2 record over nearly three decades and took the Hokies to 23 consecutive bowl games. Under his leadership, Virginia Tech won seven conference championships and played for the national title in the 2000 Sugar Bowl against Florida State, led by none other than a young Michael Vick.
But Beamer’s legacy extends far beyond wins and statistics. Known for his integrity, loyalty, and humble approach to leadership, Beamer cultivated a culture of discipline, consistency, and excellence. He was also the innovator behind “Beamer Ball” — a style of play that emphasized scoring through all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.
“He changed the way the game was played,” said ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “But more importantly, he changed the lives of everyone around him. There are generations of players who are better men today because they played for Frank Beamer.”
### Heartfelt Tributes Roll In
Following the release of his message, social media lit up with reactions from players, fans, and peers in the coaching community.
Michael Vick, perhaps Beamer’s most famous protégé, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Coach Beamer believed in me when no one else did. He’s more than a coach — he’s family. Thank you for everything, Coach.”
Current Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry, who played under Beamer early in his career and later coached alongside him, also paid tribute. “It’s hard to put into words what Coach means to this place. Every brick in our foundation has his fingerprints on it. We will keep building in his image — tough, smart, and full of heart.”
Fans gathered at Lane Stadium on Wednesday evening to hold a candlelight tribute for Beamer, many wearing vintage Hokies jerseys, holding signs, and chanting “Let’s Go Hokies!” and “Thank You, Frank!”
For many, Beamer represents something even deeper than football. “He taught us how to win, but also how to lose with dignity,” said alumna Tara Lawson, class of 2002. “He made Blacksburg feel like a family, not just a campus.”
### A Farewell, Not a Goodbye
Although stepping back from the public eye, Beamer emphasized in his message that his love for Virginia Tech and Hokie Nation will never fade.
“This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a new chapter,” Beamer said, with a soft smile. “I’ll still be in the stands, still cheering, still living and dying with every snap. But it’s time for others to carry the torch. And I know it’s in good hands.”
The farewell video concluded with a montage of Beamer’s career highlights — from his early press conferences, to sideline celebrations, to his final walk off the field in 2015 — all set to the sounds of “Enter Sandman,” the team’s iconic entrance anthem.
In a poignant final shot, Beamer is seen walking alone across the field at Lane Stadium, pausing near midfield, then turning to face the stands.
He raises his hand and whispers, “Thank you, Hokie Nation. You’ve given me more than I could ever ask for.”
### End of an Era, Beginning of a Legacy
As the sun sets on Frank Beamer’s long and storied association with Virginia Tech, his legacy remains etched in maroon and orange. The man who built a powerhouse program from modest beginnings, who inspired countless young men to be leaders on and off the field, and who gave his all to a small town in southwest Virginia, will forever be remembered as one of college football’s most beloved figures.
A statue already stands in his honor outside Lane Stadium. But perhaps his greatest monument is the community he helped forge — a family bound not just by football, but by shared values, resilience, and pride.
As Hokie Nation reflects on this bittersweet farewell, one message rings loud and clear: Frank Beamer may be stepping away, but his spirit will forever echo through the hills of Blacksburg.
**Let’s Go, Hokies. Let’s Go, Frank.**
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