After waiting his turn for several years in the running back room to be the workhorse ball carrier for the Yelm Tornados, senior Nathan Ford had high expectations coming into the team’s 2024 season.
A breakout performance in the Tornados’ week one matchup against the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds validated Ford’s expectations as he rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. His momentum carried forward through the first quarter of Yelm’s week-two matchup against the Lincoln Abes as he picked up 38 rush yards on just four carries to open the contest.
However, Ford’s last carry against the Abes was memorable for all the wrong reasons, as the senior running back broke his collarbone while being tackled. After a quick trip to a local medical facility, Ford returned to the Lincoln Bowl in a hospital gown and sling to support his teammates, who ultimately defeated the Abes 26-13.
“My emotions were really high when I got injured. I felt anger, sadness, and it really tested my faith in God,” Ford said. “When I came back to the Lincoln Bowl after my injury, it really gave me the chills to see the fans and my teammates react how they did. It showed me that they really care about me — that the community I’ve been playing in for the last four years really cares about its players. It meant a lot to me.”
It took the senior some time to decide if he was going to rehab his collarbone with the possibility of returning from the injury or if he’d get surgery and have to end his senior season. For about a week after the injury, Ford said he struggled to decide, but he chose to dig deep and attempt a miraculous comeback to the team.
“That possibility was cemented in my brain, and I kept the mindset that God has my back and that I’d be back this season,” Ford said. “The first two weeks after the injury were kind of mellow, letting the muscles get into the healing process along with my collarbone. After those two weeks, I started grinding with bands and mobility work. Once I got strong enough with that, I got into some lighter weights. It was a struggle, but I got through it.”
Six weeks after his injury against Lincoln, Ford returned to practice and initially sported a white, non-contact jersey. He officially returned to action in Yelm’s week-eight contest against the Olympia Bears and notched 48 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. The next week against Puyallup in the Tornados’ South Puget Sound League crossover game, Ford led the Tornados in rush attempts with 12 and collected 73 yards and a touchdown.
“It was sensational. It was like something you’ve never felt before,” Ford said of scoring in his first games back from injury. “Getting back into the end zone and looking at the sideline, my coaches, the crowd of fans being so happy was a rush. It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life.”
The happiness Ford felt after finding the end zone twice in his first two games back from injury was extremely rewarding for the senior athlete, especially after questioning if he’d get another carry in his football career.
“I had so many doubts about my season, but I kept my faith strong. I kept pushing through, and it worked out,” Ford said. “This season, I learned that my mental strength is a lot stronger than I actually thought it was. Going through the mental battles of breaking my collarbone and almost losing my whole senior season raised my mental strength a lot.”
Following the conclusion of Yelm’s season due to a 24-20 loss to the Richland Bombers, Ford officially closed his college football recruitment on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in a post on X. Though he loved playing football the last four years at YHS and as a youth growing up, Ford said that sometimes a part of growing up is leaving behind the things that are loved.
“Sadly, but happily, I’m not playing football after high school. I closed my recruitment yesterday morning and I will be joining the military and joining the Air Force,” Ford said. “I think football had to be one of those things [left behind]. The support from my parents for whatever I want to do after high school meant a lot because my dad was in the Army. He told me that if I really wanted to do this, he’d support me all the way through.”
Ford added that he’s hopeful to become a sniper in the military and be part of the 24th Special Tactics Quadrant.
“The opportunity to serve will be great,” Ford said. “Ever since I was a kid, I thought that if football didn’t work out I’m going to go serve this country and put my life on the line for what I believe in.”
The future United States airman was thankful for the community’s support of him and the Tornados football team throughout his four years with the program. Ford said, from a state championship victory to a state championship loss to an early playoff exit, the community always showed up with strong support for the program.
“My message to the community is thank you so much for everything. Even though there’s ups and downs, please keep supporting no matter what,” Ford said. “Your support means so much to everybody — the athletes, the coaches, the band. It means the world.”
