The stories that endure in college football aren’t always written in trophies or titles. Sometimes, they belong to the players who step onto the field carrying something heavier than pads, the weight of love, loss, and legacy. For Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr., that weight has been his constant drive. Eleven months ago, tragedy struck when he lost his father. On Saturday, after Miami’s 49–12 victory over South Florida, Fletcher stepped to the podium wearing an orange vest emblazoned with the words ‘Long Live,’ his father’s photograph visible across his chest.

When asked what it meant to play for his dad, Fletcher’s response stilled the room. “It means everything to me,” he said, voice heavy with emotion. “Like that’s my why. Like, I don’t know what I could tell you what my why was before. I just, I guess I just love playing football, but this is definitely my why now, and it’s going to forever be that.” RB Mark Fletcher Jr.’s story is an ode to his dad.

Last year was especially tough for the Fletchers. It was Oct. 26, moments before the Hurricanes would go against rival-state Florida State, when he received the heartbreaking news. His dad, Mark Fletcher Sr., passed away at the age of 53. “It’s been horrible, honestly,” Fletcher let out his feelings following the tragic passing of his dad. Fletcher Sr. was greatly cherished by everyone in the Hurricanes family. Popularly known as the “Big Mark” around campus, he was a great guy, a golden sunshine radiating his warmth. “We see Big Mark all the time. He’s always at practice,” Cristobal had once said.

Mark Fletcher Jr., paying tribute to his late dad. “That’s my why,” he said. pic.twitter.com/qzKBzwUzVM

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 14, 2025

Going into the 2025 season, he was brimming with the same energy as the Hurricanes dominated the turf at Hard Rock Stadium against the South Florida Bulls. As the clock bled 10:05 into the second quarter, Fletcher made a 38-yard run to reach the end zone, marking his first touchdown of the game. His next 13-yard run touchdown was the sole action witnessed over the turf in the third quarter, upping the record box, 35-6. In 16 carries, he rushed for 120 yards and scored two touchdowns this weekend.

Mark Fletcher on living up to his father’s dream

Mark Fletcher Jr. is a veteran player, shouldering the rushing offense on his shoulders. Boasting Miami’s No. 2 running back, he has continued to develop. Following his dad’s demise, he continued to grind harder, living up to his father’s dream. “It was like I was attacked with so much love,” Mark Fletcher said about the love and support he received from his roster, following his dad’s demise.

The whole team showed up at his dad’s funeral and had his back, a constant presence throughout the tough time. But playing football was paying tribute to his dad. He never wavered in his determination to stand with the roster. “Wanted to be around his brothers and his team,” a determined Fletcher stood firm. It was a heartfelt moment. The roster was beyond touched, witnessing his grit. “You trust that guy with your life because he does everything the right way, regardless of the situation and circumstance.” The head coach was overwhelmed by Fletcher Jr.’s gesture.

Going against Florida State, with the first snap of the ball, he threw the first touchdown. On reaching the endzone, he bent on one knee, lifting his right pointer finger towards the sky, for his dad. “Just shoutout to my dad, paying him respect.” He chipped in 71 yards and a TD, contributing to a 36-14 win at the Hard Rock Stadium last season. “I know he would have loved this energy out here; I just did this for him.”