The Virginia Tech Hokies have a rich history of producing talented football players, and Kam Chancellor is certainly one of them. As a standout safety for the Hokies, Chancellor was known for his hard-hitting and ball-hawking skills on the field. However, there may be more to this Virginia Tech legend than meets the eye. In this article, we'll delve into five little-known facts about Kam Chancellor's Virginia Tech jersey.
The Early Years: Kam Chancellor's Rise to Prominence
Before we dive into the facts, let's take a brief look at Kam Chancellor's early years. Born on April 3, 1988, in Norfolk, Virginia, Chancellor grew up with a passion for football. He attended Maury High School in Norfolk, where he was a standout player on the football team. Chancellor's impressive high school career earned him a scholarship to Virginia Tech, where he would go on to become one of the program's most successful safeties.
Fact #1: Kam Chancellor's Jersey Number Was Inspired by a Legendary Safety
Kam Chancellor's jersey number, 17, was inspired by a legendary safety who played for the Hokies in the 1990s. Chancellor has often spoken about the influence of Pierson Prioleau, a former Virginia Tech safety who wore the number 17 during his playing days. Prioleau, who went on to play in the NFL for several teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins, was known for his hard-hitting and instinctive play. Chancellor has said that he admired Prioleau's style of play and wanted to follow in his footsteps by wearing the same jersey number.
Fact #2: Kam Chancellor Was a Two-Time All-American at Virginia Tech
Kam Chancellor's College Career
During his four-year career at Virginia Tech, Kam Chancellor was a two-time All-American and was named to the First-Team All-ACC twice. Chancellor's impressive college career was marked by several notable performances, including a 13-tackle game against Boston College in 2008. Chancellor's accomplishments on the field earned him a reputation as one of the top safeties in the country, and he was eventually drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Fact #3: Kam Chancellor's Jersey Was Retired by Virginia Tech in 2015
In 2015, Virginia Tech retired Kam Chancellor's jersey in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the program. Chancellor became the 12th player in Virginia Tech history to have his jersey retired, joining a list of legendary players that includes Michael Vick, DeAngelo Hall, and Tyrod Taylor. The jersey retirement ceremony was held during a game against NC State, and Chancellor was on hand to accept the honor.
Fact #4: Kam Chancellor's Time at Virginia Tech Was Marked by Tragedy
Kam Chancellor's Personal Struggles
Despite his success on the field, Kam Chancellor's time at Virginia Tech was marked by tragedy. In 2007, Chancellor's close friend and teammate, Kevin Jones, was killed in a car accident. Chancellor has spoken publicly about the emotional toll that Jones' death took on him, and how it affected his play on the field. Chancellor has also spoken about the importance of his faith in helping him to cope with the loss of his friend.
Fact #5: Kam Chancellor's Virginia Tech Jersey Is a Highly Sought-After Collectible
Kam Chancellor's Virginia Tech jersey is a highly sought-after collectible among Hokies fans and collectors of college football memorabilia. The jersey, which features Chancellor's name and number on the back, is a rare and valuable item that can sell for hundreds of dollars online. Chancellor's jersey is particularly valuable due to his success in the NFL, where he won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014.
Gallery of Kam Chancellor's Virginia Tech Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Kam Chancellor's jersey number at Virginia Tech?
+Kam Chancellor's jersey number at Virginia Tech was 17.
Was Kam Chancellor a First-Team All-American at Virginia Tech?
+Yes, Kam Chancellor was a two-time First-Team All-American at Virginia Tech.
Why was Kam Chancellor's jersey retired by Virginia Tech?
+Kam Chancellor's jersey was retired by Virginia Tech in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the program.
In conclusion, Kam Chancellor's Virginia Tech jersey is a highly sought-after collectible among Hokies fans and collectors of college football memorabilia. Chancellor's success on the field, including his two-time All-American honors and his Super Bowl win with the Seattle Seahawks, has made his jersey a valuable and rare item. Whether you're a die-hard Hokies fan or just a collector of college football memorabilia, Kam Chancellor's Virginia Tech jersey is a must-have item for any serious collector.