A Thank You Letter to Virginia Football

Dear Virginia Football,

Thank you. Truly. For a magical 2025 season that I will never—ever—for as long as I live—forget. For giving us a fall that felt like something out of a movie, a season where every week built on the last, every moment felt bigger than the one before, and every memory felt like it was designed to stay with us forever. You made a father and his 12-year-old stand on the field twice this season… memories neither of us will ever let go of.

Thank you to Chandler Morris, for choosing UVA and then becoming that dude — the heartbeat, the engine, and the spark who made us believe anything was possible.

Thank you to Coach Tony Elliott, the mastermind behind it all, the man who saw the long game, built the culture brick by brick, and led this program to heights that felt like destiny.

To J’Mari Taylor, who had the chops to bet on himself, come to UVA, and run with every ounce of heart a back can have.

To Jahmal Edrine, who gave his body up blocking, took the hard shots over the middle, and made the physical, tone-setting catches when we needed them most.

To McKale Boley and Noah Josey, the anchors on the left side who built this thing over years — the quiet foundation that let the fireworks happen.

To Kam Robinson, who believed in Virginia when he could have chosen anywhere. That belief mattered.

To Jahmeer Carter, the immovable plug in the middle of the defense who made our front feel whole.

To Antonio Clary, who never quit, fought to get healthy, and came back to contribute in ways that inspired everyone.

To Cam Ross and Trell Taylor, who injected explosiveness into the passing game and gave us the chunk plays that swung games.

To Dakota Twitty, who played at an All-ACC level and gave everything until injury stepped in.

To Corey Costner, playing like a vet as a first-year and grabbing that interception in the championship game — the stuff legends grow from.

To Emmanuel Karnley and Donavon Platt, who strapped up and helped make our secondary dangerous again.

To Devin Neal, who gave us the best impression of Jonas Sanker anyone could ask for.

And to every single player I didn’t name — every man who wore the orange and blue proudly, who practiced, who traveled, who contributed, who fought — thank you. You mattered. You built this. You were part of something unforgettable.

And thank you for the sounds of this season.

For the pure emotion in John Freeman’s calls, the way he captured every twist and turn with a voice that somehow held both history and hope at the same time.

For the swagger and energy of Ahmad Hawkins — the Ballhawk — whose breakdowns and reactions made the highs feel higher and the big plays feel even bigger.

For the calm, steady, quarterback mind of Matt Schaub, elevating every broadcast with insight only a UVA great could deliver.

They narrated the magic. You supplied the moments.

And thank you for one of the sweetest sights of all:

the wave of angry Virginia Tech fans shuffling out of Scott Stadium as losers, while our house roared and celebrated a win that felt like it had been building for years. The Commonwealth Cup shining. The night electric. The memory permanent.

Thank you for the big wins.

Thank you for the OT thrillers.

Thank you for the Commonwealth Cup.

Thank you for the championship run.

Thank you for a season that changed what we believe is possible at UVA.

We’ll be watching the Gator Bowl.

We’ll be following every move when the portal opens.

We’ll be there for spring ball.

And we’ll do it all again — but this season… this one is etched into my heart forever.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Thank you, Virginia Football.