I get a lump in my throat every time I hear this. How sad that less than a year after he wrote this letter to the 1970 Thundering Herd, Nate Ruffin would finally join his former teammates "up there" with "the Man in Charge."
RIP Nate Ruffin and All Marshall players of the 1970 Thundering Herd.
What a beautiful letter to your teammates and coaches. Nate Ruffin, you were left behind to help heal Marshall University, the football team, the community and to be a voice for the fallen. And the movie, was a wonderful tribute to all.
My brother was on that 2000 team. #52 James Simons, of Lemoore, CA. What Fresno State said no to, Marshall accepted & made a CHAMPION! In loving memory of our "12th man" & WE ARE MARSHALL!
Oh my...just makes you want to cry. He did such a wonderful job keeping their memories alive...and now Marshall is keeping his memory alive. What a lovely thing to watch.
Nate Ruffin was a true blessing to the 1970 Marshall University Football Team. He undying determination to see the football program continued in the memory of his fellow teammates exemplifies the type of love and dedication he had for his fellow teammates and the sport of football. May you rest in peace Nate and God bless you for hard work and efforts.
Rest in peace Nate. I stopped by, as I often do, to watch this clip again and pay my silent tribute. Your memory will live on in the hearts of others. It was your strength and perseverance that paved the way for the later success of the university, town, and the program. It will not be forgotten.
I'm going to Marshall in fall of 2010. I've known about the 1970 crash since I was in 4th grade and ever since Marshall has just been one of those schools I knew I wanted to go to. I just went for a tour and informational meeting this past week and seeing everything on that campus and hearing about the sports and acedimics I cannot wait to be apart of that University. God Bless everyone & The players and towns people that died are what keep the Marshall dream alive. <3
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I knew Nate later in life, and while not a bad guy, he certainly was a "company man" who rarely, if ever, questioned superiors at work, the hometown paper.
Thank you for posting video. After seeing the movie, it was nice to hear and see the real Nate. His letter to his team mates Made me tear up. RIP Nate the 75 members of the Herd.
Thank you. No words to describe the depth of feeling this event evokes. Truly spiritual. God Bless Nate's family and the entire Marshall University team/family, past, present and future.
Nate Ruffin is my uncle. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about him. He was an amazing person and I am truly glad to say hes my uncle.
really Nate Ruffin is your uncle?, im a mexican and i know about the history of Nate Ruffin and about the history of the university, because i was see the movie "we are Marshall" i love that movie, im a great fan of Nate Ruffin because thanks of him people can know imposible is nothing, and Marshall still alive with glorious and a nice memory of the team 1970. Let me tell you something... follow your uncle steps in your life, a real heroe!! see ya !!
rip nate ruffin this man became my favorite football player of all time after this crash happen i wus 8 years old man thas a sad story god bless the thudering herd the entire football nation loves you and you will always be in our hearts
May you rest in peace Nate with your teammates. From what I've read and viewed about Nate he was an inspiration to keeping the football program after the tragic crash.
What an absolutely amazing man! The movie was outstanding...what determination and it if had not been for Mr. Nate Ruffin's persistence, there would not have been a team that soon.
I know you are up there playing for God now....may God bless your family.
Mr. Ruffin, you were such an inspiration to each and every one of us!
My father and I were new to the story of We Are Marshall when we saw the film in theaters. Hence we never heard of the plane crash until the film's theatrical run. I was living in the parental home at the time of the film's theatrical run. By the time the film was released to DVD and hi-def formations, I got a job and left the parental home. I was not born at the time of plane crash. My oldest brother was then a newborn at the time.
From the UK I am not fan of USA footie or even into sports, but I just saw the movie and found it very moving. It made me want to write to Nate, I thought he was still alive until the ending, which made me cry. Proud of all u guys. L
I just watched "We Are Marshall" and it's a very good movie. I never even knew about this tragedy until I saw this film. Nate Ruffin needs to be honored and remembered. I'm sorry to hear about his death, but at least he had a happy life and was loved by many people.
I just got back from visiting West Virginia for the first time and let me just say IT WAS AWESOME! My mother, my two aunts and I watched the movie prior to visiting, the points of interest. Honestly, there are no words to describe my feeling at each of those places, I didn't want to leave. I loved seeing how ALL the Herd generations that followed the crash have kept the tradition of remembering the 75 who died. That brought tears to my eyes. I only wish I could have been the on Nov. 14th.
I would have been in grade school when this happened. Graduating High School in '77, at 49 now I applaude the school, admin, and town for carrying on and supporting those lost and looking to the future. What a legacy you all have shown for those who don't know the history. Thanks
My husband and I just finished watching "We Are Marshall." We were both incredibly moved by the film and after seeing Nate Ruffin's heartfelt team letter, there's no doubt the film was pretty much spot-on.
Blessings to all at Marshall and Huntington who showed the world what it means to prevail!
Thanks nyn8tv. Nate Ruffin was the heart and soul of our Marshall football team not only during his playing years, but for many years after, until his untimely death. I think I speak for all the Marshall family when I say we miss Nate and only wish he had the opportunity to see the movie.
Thanks Nate, I appreciate your moving letter to the guys and I know all of you got together to watch the movie.
Marshall is now a household name and you guys are stars.
I'll never forget Nov 14, standing on 3rd Ave in front of the school. None of us wanted to believe it happened. God bless you Nate. And Shoe, Jimo and Nutsy and the rest of the guys. You're the best.
Thank you so much for sharing this video .. great for all of us who love the Herd .. and this will be great for those who will come to know us through the "We Are Marshall" movie!
I remember watching that half-time show on TV! I didn't even know much about the crash at the time, but I was deeply moved. When the "We Are Marshall" movie hoopla began, I've always thought about this video that you have provided for us. Thank you so much. I never thought I'd get to see it again.
my dad met Nate at an airport in Atlanta a few years ago. Dad was wearing a Marshall jacket i had gotten him for christmas. nate came up to him and started talking to him. dad had no idea who he was. Nate told him his story about the crash...
Thank you SO much for posting this! Those who didn't know Nate can get a sense of the man. Huntington and Marshall lost a great friend when he passed away and we mourn him with the 75 we lost. If only he'd lived to see "We Are Marshall".
Nate was my classmate, frat brother, fellow railroader, Christian brother and my replacement at ACF Industries (1975). But most of all he was my hero and someone like him cannot be replaced! We last spoke by phone in 2001 only months before he passed. The We Are Marshall film was on point showing his stepping up to team leadership which extended over the last 26 years of his life as an iconic figure and cheerleader for the team and school.
Hi bdodson95... I appreciate your statement here and your expressing your heartfelt feelings. After seeing this video, the movie and with the research I've done on the crash, I almost feel like I knew Nate, who undoubtedly was a fine person and a real man. I was only 10 in 1970 but I remember the crash and hearing a lot about it then and I'm really grateful for those responsible for the movie. God bless you and yours and Rest In Peace Nate Ruffin!
He truly was special. Watching the video brings many memories to mind. I just got an email from his daughter yesterday. I sent her an email from a fan (See Azanti below) of the movie who saw this clip too and was touched because of losses he had experienced. This clip has immortalized Nate as the voice of the silent team he has now joined in eternity.
I get a lump in my throat every time I hear this. How sad that less than a year after he wrote this letter to the 1970 Thundering Herd, Nate Ruffin would finally join his former teammates "up there" with "the Man in Charge."
RIP Nate Ruffin and All Marshall players of the 1970 Thundering Herd.
WE ARE MARSHALL!!!
GeorgiaKev 2 months ago
i never went to the gravesite but i would like to go there some day go herd
Williamratkinson2009 4 months ago
R.I.P Nate Ruffin, you are the meaning of inspiration.
ThaOneChrisJONES 6 months ago
RIP, Nate Ruffin...I visit your grave and those of your six unidentified teammates each time I go home. You were and are so loved in Huntington...
Jules91961 8 months ago
what heartless person would dislike this video ?
12bdawk 8 months ago 4
@12bdawk i agree with you
Williamratkinson2009 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@12bdawk A complete fucking moron, thats who
thndrct218 3 months ago
What a beautiful letter to your teammates and coaches. Nate Ruffin, you were left behind to help heal Marshall University, the football team, the community and to be a voice for the fallen. And the movie, was a wonderful tribute to all.
MsRobinDuke 10 months ago
His mom didn't know he wasn't on the plane-he didn't want her to know he was hurt and not able to play.
MUTwirler92 11 months ago
My brother was on that 2000 team. #52 James Simons, of Lemoore, CA. What Fresno State said no to, Marshall accepted & made a CHAMPION! In loving memory of our "12th man" & WE ARE MARSHALL!
ElizabethDSmith 1 year ago
Oh my...just makes you want to cry. He did such a wonderful job keeping their memories alive...and now Marshall is keeping his memory alive. What a lovely thing to watch.
msymsed 1 year ago
My brother, James Simons, #52 was on this 2000 team!
ElizabethDSmith 1 year ago
RIP Nate Ruffin And The Whole Marshall Football Team
yankeesfreak 1 year ago
Pure excellence!!!! This is the epitome of team spirit, unity and perseverance.....MARSHALL FAN FOR LIFE!
skills1ent 1 year ago
Let the perpetual light shine on you Nate, you'll never be forgotten....
ripperduck 1 year ago
Godspeed to a true Son of Marshall. We are...Marshall. Nate Ruffin is the true embodiment of this sentiment.
PimpDragon108 1 year ago 2
I just Re-Visited his gravesite Nov. 14th, 2009, RIP...
Thundering24 2 years ago
God bless Nate, a true hero who is now with his Herd. I sure hope practice is going well up there guys!
tscotwv 2 years ago 3
I loved this comment!
MUTwirler92 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this! Nate did a terrific job with this tribute!
I saw the movie a couple of times and was so moved, especially by Nate's character.
What a wonderful man and leader!
God bless Nate and the 75 people on that plane.
catalina1010 2 years ago 2
Nate Ruffin was a true blessing to the 1970 Marshall University Football Team. He undying determination to see the football program continued in the memory of his fellow teammates exemplifies the type of love and dedication he had for his fellow teammates and the sport of football. May you rest in peace Nate and God bless you for hard work and efforts.
MsFancyFace10 2 years ago 2
r.i.p. nate is my idol and inspires me to keep playing football no matter how bad my team sucks
adamunc24 2 years ago 2
I went to Marshall and Nate Ruffim preacence is all over that school may he rest in peace
hotmama2be611 2 years ago
rip nate
1950-2001
haj890 2 years ago 2
REST IN PEACE NATE
ugahedges 2 years ago
Rest in peace Nate. I stopped by, as I often do, to watch this clip again and pay my silent tribute. Your memory will live on in the hearts of others. It was your strength and perseverance that paved the way for the later success of the university, town, and the program. It will not be forgotten.
M.U. 1997-2000
backcracker30 2 years ago 2
R.I.P. Nate...and thanks for everything youve done for Marshall. You are a legend here in Huntington and elsewhere.
piercep123 2 years ago
God Bless You Nate! may your memory and those of your teammates be for a blessing!
From a Syracuse Orangemen
SUNSNARE06 2 years ago
nate's the Inspiration, with jack... they're heroes
Roverdash 2 years ago
R.I.P. Nate
From Brazil
Danielstuy 2 years ago 3
I'm going to Marshall in fall of 2010. I've known about the 1970 crash since I was in 4th grade and ever since Marshall has just been one of those schools I knew I wanted to go to. I just went for a tour and informational meeting this past week and seeing everything on that campus and hearing about the sports and acedimics I cannot wait to be apart of that University. God Bless everyone & The players and towns people that died are what keep the Marshall dream alive. <3
pohochic 3 years ago 2
thanks nate god bless you -
From Croatia!
StanaVKCI 3 years ago 2
Sadly nate perished i went to the grave he was a great man
Jrgcanes07 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I knew Nate later in life, and while not a bad guy, he certainly was a "company man" who rarely, if ever, questioned superiors at work, the hometown paper.
mediamadman747 3 years ago
what does that have to do with anything? why would you put something like that here?
adodababo 3 years ago
I just seen the movie today, it was a great emotional movie..R.I.P to everyperson that lost their life on that plane
chico322 3 years ago
Thank you for posting video. After seeing the movie, it was nice to hear and see the real Nate. His letter to his team mates Made me tear up. RIP Nate the 75 members of the Herd.
Verna2008 3 years ago
thanks nate god bless you
kintakunto 3 years ago
thank you so much for posting this video. it brought me to tears. =)
marshallsinfonian 3 years ago
Thank you. No words to describe the depth of feeling this event evokes. Truly spiritual. God Bless Nate's family and the entire Marshall University team/family, past, present and future.
hhfan5 3 years ago
Wow I'd give that 10 stars if I could
supertuffguy 3 years ago 2
wow that was very emotionel
JFleX14 3 years ago 2
I'm close to tears....God Bless you Nate, and all of your teammates who were so tragically taken from you much sooner than anyone imagined.
I take comfort knowing you all are together again.
GeorgiaKev 3 years ago 2
Nate Ruffin is my uncle. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about him. He was an amazing person and I am truly glad to say hes my uncle.
Sikwitit 3 years ago 23
really Nate Ruffin is your uncle?, im a mexican and i know about the history of Nate Ruffin and about the history of the university, because i was see the movie "we are Marshall" i love that movie, im a great fan of Nate Ruffin because thanks of him people can know imposible is nothing, and Marshall still alive with glorious and a nice memory of the team 1970. Let me tell you something... follow your uncle steps in your life, a real heroe!! see ya !!
rororoy26 3 years ago
@rororoy26 Such a wonderful and heartfelt comment...Thank you and thank you to all the MARSHALL friends and family members!
skills1ent 1 year ago
@Sikwitit was he really your uncle?
gwill2023 1 year ago
@Sikwitit may his heart be with u bro
sk8trman1296 1 year ago
@Sikwitit was he really your uncle?
holandaclub 1 year ago
@Sikwitit If you are half the man he was, you are doing very well!
imsneaky 2 months ago
Comment removed
capshockeycrazy08 2 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Sikwitit you are a damn liar...nate ruffin was NOT your uncle you sick piece of shit.
capshockeycrazy08 2 days ago
this movie was also released on my birthday december 22
secplaya91 3 years ago
rip nate ruffin this man became my favorite football player of all time after this crash happen i wus 8 years old man thas a sad story god bless the thudering herd the entire football nation loves you and you will always be in our hearts
secplaya91 3 years ago 3
Amazing. The most glorious moments come out of tragedy. This is no diffrent. It's someone else's turn to carry on the memory of the herd.
blankcnote 3 years ago
If you don't cry while watching the movie and video, you ain't got a clue. Life is short. Embrace every day. May God bless you all.
iamtheaxe 3 years ago
If you guys are interested in this story you should check out the movie "We Are Marshall"
RjayGuerrero 3 years ago
May you rest in peace Nate with your teammates. From what I've read and viewed about Nate he was an inspiration to keeping the football program after the tragic crash.
NCAngel325 3 years ago 11
that was amazing... man i tell you i got many chills watching that movie and this video put me over the top
seelap408 3 years ago 2
That was great, thank you for posting.
GasHouseGangScout 3 years ago 2
what a great video..
bigg10103 3 years ago 2
RIP Nate
KamloopsBlazers 3 years ago 3
great video and a great man!
they should really try to get Witchita States football program back, after that plane crash so long ago
bignr34 3 years ago 3
He's playing for Heavens Herds!
MUTwirler92 3 years ago 2
watchin this made me cry
jazzyfayy1983 3 years ago 2
It makes me feel good to know that Nate is up there with his teammates
He was lucky to have a good friend in you to help continue his amazing legacy.
msymsed 4 years ago 2
What an absolutely amazing man! The movie was outstanding...what determination and it if had not been for Mr. Nate Ruffin's persistence, there would not have been a team that soon.
I know you are up there playing for God now....may God bless your family.
Mr. Ruffin, you were such an inspiration to each and every one of us!
misterpetee 4 years ago 2
Thank you so much for posting this! Mr. Ruffin endured so much during his life. Through it all he perserved.
One day soon i hope marshall plays for and wins the national title. Who would not root for marshall if they did play in the championship!
God bless you mr ruffin. Your life is an inspiration to all of us
reston81 4 years ago 2
god bless the 1970 MU football team
screamolikeitsemo 4 years ago
He would of been 20 or 21 the year the plane crashed.
freespeachrulez 4 years ago
Mr Ruffin seemed like a good guy, sure were some good words in his letter.
God bless em all, gone too soon.
May heaven be lit by lights of a Friday night football game, where he and his teammates might reunite to take the field once again.
JT170 4 years ago
My father and I were new to the story of We Are Marshall when we saw the film in theaters. Hence we never heard of the plane crash until the film's theatrical run. I was living in the parental home at the time of the film's theatrical run. By the time the film was released to DVD and hi-def formations, I got a job and left the parental home. I was not born at the time of plane crash. My oldest brother was then a newborn at the time.
TediusZanarukando 4 years ago
From the UK I am not fan of USA footie or even into sports, but I just saw the movie and found it very moving. It made me want to write to Nate, I thought he was still alive until the ending, which made me cry. Proud of all u guys. L
Azanti 4 years ago
I just watched "We Are Marshall" and it's a very good movie. I never even knew about this tragedy until I saw this film. Nate Ruffin needs to be honored and remembered. I'm sorry to hear about his death, but at least he had a happy life and was loved by many people.
Thegrinch17 4 years ago
I just got back from visiting West Virginia for the first time and let me just say IT WAS AWESOME! My mother, my two aunts and I watched the movie prior to visiting, the points of interest. Honestly, there are no words to describe my feeling at each of those places, I didn't want to leave. I loved seeing how ALL the Herd generations that followed the crash have kept the tradition of remembering the 75 who died. That brought tears to my eyes. I only wish I could have been the on Nov. 14th.
shellygirl80 4 years ago
I would have been in grade school when this happened. Graduating High School in '77, at 49 now I applaude the school, admin, and town for carrying on and supporting those lost and looking to the future. What a legacy you all have shown for those who don't know the history. Thanks
paige9779 4 years ago
My husband and I just finished watching "We Are Marshall." We were both incredibly moved by the film and after seeing Nate Ruffin's heartfelt team letter, there's no doubt the film was pretty much spot-on.
Blessings to all at Marshall and Huntington who showed the world what it means to prevail!
nyn8tv 4 years ago 7
Thanks nyn8tv. Nate Ruffin was the heart and soul of our Marshall football team not only during his playing years, but for many years after, until his untimely death. I think I speak for all the Marshall family when I say we miss Nate and only wish he had the opportunity to see the movie.
nicolastodd 4 years ago
Nate Ruffin !!!! God Bless You !1 Rest in Peace !! ur a heroo ! marshall captain .. Safety .. 10 Interception !!
Stinger07 4 years ago 2
Thanks Nate, I appreciate your moving letter to the guys and I know all of you got together to watch the movie.
Marshall is now a household name and you guys are stars.
I'll never forget Nov 14, standing on 3rd Ave in front of the school. None of us wanted to believe it happened. God bless you Nate. And Shoe, Jimo and Nutsy and the rest of the guys. You're the best.
strat63 5 years ago
Awesome heart felt letter nate. You touched my heart.
jbatchie 5 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing this video .. great for all of us who love the Herd .. and this will be great for those who will come to know us through the "We Are Marshall" movie!
Here4TheHerd 5 years ago
I remember watching that half-time show on TV! I didn't even know much about the crash at the time, but I was deeply moved. When the "We Are Marshall" movie hoopla began, I've always thought about this video that you have provided for us. Thank you so much. I never thought I'd get to see it again.
AmeriKenny 5 years ago
my dad met Nate at an airport in Atlanta a few years ago. Dad was wearing a Marshall jacket i had gotten him for christmas. nate came up to him and started talking to him. dad had no idea who he was. Nate told him his story about the crash...
andy4theherd 5 years ago
Thank you SO much for posting this! Those who didn't know Nate can get a sense of the man. Huntington and Marshall lost a great friend when he passed away and we mourn him with the 75 we lost. If only he'd lived to see "We Are Marshall".
kww355 5 years ago
Nate was my classmate, frat brother, fellow railroader, Christian brother and my replacement at ACF Industries (1975). But most of all he was my hero and someone like him cannot be replaced! We last spoke by phone in 2001 only months before he passed. The We Are Marshall film was on point showing his stepping up to team leadership which extended over the last 26 years of his life as an iconic figure and cheerleader for the team and school.
bdodson95 4 years ago 4
What fraternity to you belong to?
bugsday 4 years ago
This question is for bdodson95.
bugsday 4 years ago
Kappa Alpha Psi 1968
bdodson95 4 years ago 2
Thanks bdodson95 for answering. I am a Zeta. I was curious as to what he was. Thanks again
bugsday 4 years ago
Hi bdodson95... I appreciate your statement here and your expressing your heartfelt feelings. After seeing this video, the movie and with the research I've done on the crash, I almost feel like I knew Nate, who undoubtedly was a fine person and a real man. I was only 10 in 1970 but I remember the crash and hearing a lot about it then and I'm really grateful for those responsible for the movie. God bless you and yours and Rest In Peace Nate Ruffin!
Tampaparrotthead 4 years ago
He truly was special. Watching the video brings many memories to mind. I just got an email from his daughter yesterday. I sent her an email from a fan (See Azanti below) of the movie who saw this clip too and was touched because of losses he had experienced. This clip has immortalized Nate as the voice of the silent team he has now joined in eternity.
bdodson95 4 years ago