Tweet

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer and Carolina Panthers owner/founder Jerry Richardson will be honored with the Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner’s Cup during festivities surrounding the upcoming Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game.

Beamer and Richardson become 11th and 12th recipients of the award, given solely at the discretion of the Commissioner. They have been designated as honorary captains for this year’s 11th annual ACC Football Championship Game and will take part in the pregame coin toss Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium.

“Frank Beamer and Jerry Richardson are both longtime friends of the league, who have had an outstanding impact on the game of football,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said. "Their accomplishments go far beyond on-field success, and we are tremendously pleased to have them serve as honorary captains.”

Beamer, who announced his decision to retire following Virginia Tech’s participation in this year’s postseason bowl game, stands as the winningest active Division I football coach and the sixth all time with 279 career wins. He has posted 237 victories over the past 29 years with the Hokies, winning seven conference titles – including four as a member of the ACC – and posting 13 seasons with 10 or more wins. Virginia Tech will play in a bowl game for the 23rd consecutive year under Beamer’s watch, the longest current streak in college football recognized by the NCAA.

"It is my honor to present Frank Beamer with the Commissioner's Cup," Swofford said. "As one of the most respected coaches in college athletics, he has had an immeasurable effect on the sport of football, his players, staff and fans. He is well-deserving of this honor based not only on his on-field accomplishments, but also his constant integrity, class and humility.”

Beamer will receive his Commissioner’s Cup Award during Friday evening’s Night of Legends ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Richardson became the first former NFL player since George Halas to become a team owner when the Carolinas were unanimously awarded the NFL's 29th franchise in 1993. He has long displayed his commitment to the college game, including when the Carolina Panthers welcomed the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game for the first time in 2010. The ACC has played its title game at Bank of America Stadium every year since and is scheduled to continue doing so through 2019.

“Jerry Richardson and his organization have been outstanding partners to the Atlantic Coast Conference and college football,” Swofford said. “We are proud of our association with the Richardson family and the entire Carolina Panthers franchise.”

The ACC Championship features top-ranked Clemson (12-0) and 10th-ranked North Carolina (11-1) and is slated for an 8 p.m. kickoff. The game will be televised nationally by ABC.

For updates on Virginia Tech football, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Football and on Instagram @vthokiefootball