Virginia Tech honors Fuller brothers following sizeable, unexpected gift to football program

Virginia Tech football is undergoing a massive culture shift with the failed Justin Fuente regime now in the rear view mirror and former Penn State defensive coordinator and Hokie alum Brent Pry taking the reigns.

In a college football landscape where facilities, donors and contributions from former alumni and NFL stars who have allegiance to their alma mater, Pry’s success is tied directly to his ability to get everyone associated with the program to buy into his vision.

On Wednesday, the new Virginia Tech coach made a significant stride with the announcement from the Hokies’ athletic program regarding a recent donation from the Fuller brothers toward the $400 million Reach for Excellence capital campaign, as well as for the football program’s efforts to encourage further financial support from alumni.

“We are incredibly proud and thankful to be a part of a special brotherhood that embodies Virginia Tech Football,” said Vincent Fuller, who was a four-year letterwinner for the Hokies from 2001-04 in a press release from the athletic department. The eldest Fuller brother was selected by Tennessee in the 2005 NFL Draft and spent seven years in the NFL with the Titans and Lions. “This program has been instrumental in helping develop me and my brothers into successful people and players, as well as hundreds of other young men who have competed for the Hokies. We hope our family’s commitment can help continue that trend of future generations of players coming to Blacksburg and building successful careers.”

Vincent, Corey, Kyle and Kendall Fuller represent one of the most notable families in both Virginia Tech and NFL history. The Fuller brothers are the only four siblings in NFL annals to all attend the same university and to all be selected in the NFL Draft. The Baltimore natives are building on their legacy at their alma mater by making a significantly generous financial pledge to the Virginia Tech Football program.

While the exact amount is unknown, the gift was enough to earn the four defensive backs an incredible honor for years to come.

In honor of their significant pledge to Virginia Tech Football, the cornerbacks’ meeting room will now be named “The Fuller Room.” This space is used daily by coaches and student-athletes alike, and is located in the Merryman Athletic Center, the press release stated.

Virginia Tech head coach already connecting with alumni in big way

Hokies fans had become so accustomed to legendary head coach Frank Beamer’s way of doing things and making the program feel like “home” for former players, fans, alumni , students and anyone invested in the team or university.

Fuentes’s ties to Texas and unfamiliarity with the distinct VT football culture created a clear disconnect over time.

According to Kyle Fuller who also spoke on behalf of the family’s significant gift, Pry has made connecting with alumni a focal point since his first day on the job.

“Coach Pry and the entire staff have made a very concerted effort to connect with our alumni base and make us feel welcome in Blacksburg,’ said Kyle Fuller, who lettered for the Hokies from 2010-13. A first-round selection of the Chicago Bears in the 2014 NFL Draft, he tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions in 2017 when he earned first-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl berth. He followed that up with another Pro Bowl selection in 2018 and signed as a free agent with Denver in 2021.

“Our family and so many of the other alums are very encouraged by the momentum that Coach Pry and this staff have developed on the recruiting trail. We all look forward to supporting this new staff and the team for years to come. We are blessed to be able to give back to a program that has done so much for us over the years.”

The new Virginia Tech head man also shared his gratitude for the generous gesture.

“I am tremendously grateful to the Fuller brothers for their financial commitment to our football program,” Pry said. “I believe we all share a great appreciation for the way the Fullers played the game and how they conduct themselves, both on and off the field. They exemplify the competitive spirit and the attention to detail which embodied Virginia Tech Football for so many years under Coach Beamer. On behalf of all of our players and staff, we thank the Fuller family for their continued support and generosity.”

The four Fullers excelled for Virginia Tech over a 15-year period. After Vinnie initially paved the path to Blacksburg for the family, the next brother to follow was Corey, who competed on the Tech track and field team before serving as a wide receiver for the Hokies from 2011-12. He was selected by Detroit in the 2013 NFL Draft and also spent time with the New Orleans Saints. After returning to his alma mater to work in the recruiting department he joined the player personnel department of the Carolina Panthers in 2021.