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With news breaking out of Charlottesville Sunday that Mike London is resigning as head coach of Virginia Football, effective immediately, both current and former players are starting to express their reactions on Twitter and other social media.
Virginia quarterback Matt Johns was among the first to react.
No words can describe my gratitude for Coach London. Thank you for everything. It has always been so much bigger than football and I can't thank you enough.
Johns was not alone, as this was, overwhelmingly, the same message coming from current players, including junior tailback Smoke Mizzell:
I appreciate this man and all he has done for me and my development becoming a man much love and respect pic.twitter.com/jT30uWy7td
— Taquan Mizzell (@Smokee_4) November 29, 2015
Sophomore OT Jack English:
Will always be thankful for the opportunity Coach London gave all of us to attend this university and wear the orange and blue. #GoHoos
— Jack English (@Jack_English67) November 29, 2015
Junior Center Jackson Matteo:
Thank you Coach London
— Jackson Matteo (@Matteo_UVA) November 29, 2015
Freshman QB Nick Johns:
Thank you for everything Coach London
— Nick Johns (@nick5johns) November 29, 2015
Junior QB Connor Brewer:
Thank you to Coach London for everything he has done for myself and this program. A great coach but even a better man/role model
— Connor Brewer (@connor_brewer2) November 29, 2015
Sophomore ILB Micah Kiser:
Coach London is a great man and a great leader and developer of young men. Forever Grateful for the opportunity he gave me to join this fam.
— Micah Kiser (@kiser_rollin) November 29, 2015
Sophomore DT Andrew Brown:
Much love and respect for you @CoachMikeLondon , thank you for everything from high school to now. pic.twitter.com/tiRlljiXiS
— ⚡Andrew Brown⚡ (@DrizoBeats) November 29, 2015
Senior C John Pond:
Words can't describe the respect I have for Coach London. He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. He has been an excellent role model and the definition of a class act. Its always been much bigger than football with him. He is truly a great man. Thank you for everything you've done for me Coach
Freshman OLB CJ Stalker:
Extremely thankful for Coach London, the opportunity to play in college and the life lessons he has instilled! pic.twitter.com/3iib78U6GS
— CJ Stalker (@Clayton_Stalker) November 29, 2015
Here's QB Jacob Rainey, who was offered a preferred walk-on position in 2013 after an injury at Woodberry resulted in getting his right leg amputated:
Forever grateful for the opportunity Coach London gave me. Thanks Coach
— Jacob Rainey (@Jrainey_9) November 29, 2015
Here's one from Virginia graduate assistant Sean Cascarano, who was an OT at Virginia from 2009-2012, sitting out the 2013 season due to injury:
All the gratitude in the world for Mike London. Taught life lessons thru football and gave me a start in coaching. I appreciate you Coach
— Sean Cascarano (@SeanCascarano) November 29, 2015
Former Virginia players had similar reactions. Here is Jacksonville Jaguars' C Luke Bowanko:
And he did. Thank you, @CoachMikeLondon. https://t.co/hhghDBRmJ3
— Luke Bowanko (@Lbow70) November 29, 2015
Here's Minnesota Vikings' Safety Ant Harris:
This picture right here says it all. Nothing but love and respect. Thanks for the life lessons and opportunities granted to help me excel. #Thanks #Grateful #LookAtMeNow
Former OG George Adeosun, whose medical injury led to him stepping down from the team:
Much love for Coach London. His ability to be both a coach and a mentor is impeccable, and he will find much success in his future.
— George (@realwords) November 29, 2015
Oakland Raiders' OLB Max Valles:
Thanks for everything @CoachMikeLondon ✊ pic.twitter.com/bIgy9UcRfp
— Max Valles (@big_black5) November 29, 2015