The Fiesta Bowl kicks off January 8th, 2025 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona where Ole Miss and Miami will face off in a must-see College Football Playoff semifinal.
As both programs compete for a shot at the national championship, one Hurricane will take the field carrying more than just a game plan. For Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr., his family has been central to his game from the very beginning. Here’s five fast facts you need to know about the Fletcher family.
1.His Mother is His Biggest Supporter
Ahead of the Fiesta Bowl, Fletcher shared during media availability that his mother, Linda Fletcher, was already on her way to Arizona, from Forth Lauderdale, by car as always.
Linda hates flying, so she drives to as many of her son’s games as possible. Earlier this postseason, she made the 1,300-mile trip from Fort Lauderdale to College Station for Miami’s playoff matchup against Texas A&M.
She dreams of one day upgrading her long drives.
“Once Linda Fletcher pulls out in her big RV, that’s how you know we’ve made it,” she told ESPN, “I’m going to get me a big RV. I look forward to that. It’s on my bucket list.”
She also make appearances on Fletcher’s social media, always in support of her son.
2.His Father Passed Away in 2024
Just days before Miami’s game against Florida State on October 24th, 2024, tragedy struck. Mark Fletcher Sr. passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53.
Despite the loss, Fletcher Jr. chose to suit up, knowing it’s what his father would want him to do. He scored a touchdown that night, celebrating by pointing to the sky in honor of his father.
Ahead of the Fiesta Bowl, Fletcher reflected on what it means to play in one of his biggest games without his dad physically present.
“Just playing in one of the biggest games ever in my career, I’m always going to think about him and how excited he would be for me,” Fletcher said. “He’ll just tell me to go out there and have fun, so that’s all I’m feeling on doing.”
3. “Big Mark” is Still a Part of Every Game
Linda Fletcher says her husband’s presence is still felt every game day. Though he is no longer physically present, his influence remains.
“Big Mark helped build my son up to what he is today,” Linda told ESPN. “It gets sad that he’s not here in the flesh to follow this dream with us, but in the spiritual realm, we say he’s here with us. We just have to enjoy him in a different form. And that’s where our faith kicks in.”
Linda described her late husband as an “inside dad,” meaning he attended every game, every practice, and served as a father figure not just to his son, but to any teammate who needed one.
In his absence, the Miami program found a mantra, “Long Live Big Mark.” It’s a phrase that honors the man who helped shape not only Mark Fletcher Jr., but those around him. The words serve as remembrance and motivation, a reminder of the standard Big Mark lived by and the love he poured into the team.
Before each game, Mark Fletcher Jr. used to text his dad. It’s a tradition he still keeps.
4. Linda Has Two Older Children Who Live in Jacksonville
Linda has two older children who live in Jacksonville, and she often stops to see them during her long road trips following Miami games.
When it comes to her youngest, their resemblance is undeniable.
“My other children always say, ‘Oh, she finally had her mini me,’” Linda said in an interview. “Mark’s ways are a lot like mine.”
5. The Whole Team Showed up to Big Marks Funeral in Support of The Fletcher Family
While Fletcher Jr. could choose to enter the NFL Draft after this season, he has decided to return to the Hurricanes for the 2026 season. He has been vocal about his love for Miami and the team who supported him during the most difficult period of his life.
When it came time to lay his father to rest, the support was overwhelming. Five buses arrived at the funeral. The entire Miami football team was there.
“We couldn’t keep ourselves together,” Linda told ESPN. “We thought it would be Mario and his family. But the whole team? Think about that. For us. A little Black family from Fort Lauderdale. That was over the top.”
As Fletcher Jr. prepares for the Fiesta Bowl stage, his family will be with him every step of the way, both in the stands and in spirit.
Mark Fletcher Jr.’s Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know