SEC Network Personalities Sport Signature Look To Honor 'Fluff'

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Crimson Tide opened its 2021 home football schedule Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which featured a modest, yet touching tribute to Alabama superfan Luke Ratliff, who died in April after contracting COVID-19.

The dedicated Tide supporter, son, brother and friend was only 23 years old.

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Prior to kickoff for Saturday's game against Mercer, SEC Network broadcasters Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, and Cole Cubelic could each be seen wearing plaid blazers as a nod to Ratliff's Wimp Sanderson-inspired gameday attire. This was pointed out by Hart from the booth, to which Cubelic responded, "You know Fluff would have appreciated our attire today."

Numerous memorials and tributes have been organized in the months following Ratliff's death, but his plaid blazer will arguably be the most lasting piece of Fluffopotamus iconography among the Crimson Tide faithful who loved him.

“We just wanted to try and honor Luke further," Cubelic told Patch on Sunday. "One of my favorite things about covering games in that stadium the last few years has been him yelling at me or texting me to look up at him and wave. Always put a smile on my face."

The former Auburn football player turned radio and television personality had fond memories of Ratliff from over the years and said Hart had also interacted with him on numerous occasions as he covered college baseball and basketball.

"It was just a small way for us all to help continue his legacy," Cubelic said. "We know he meant a great deal to a great number of people there. Plus, we had a personal connection with him. So it was a no brainer. I tried to get a hold of one of his jackets but it didn’t work out. That was the only plaid jacket I had. I’m positive he would have given me a hard time for the colors, but that’s the only way I would have wanted it. Once I mentioned it to the guys they were all for and not much further conversation was needed. They were both 100% on board!"

After seeing the tribute, Pamela Ratliff — Luke's mother — told Patch on Sunday that "it was such a sweet, unexpected gesture. We are so very grateful that they remembered him."

ALSO READ: Mother Of Late Bama Superfan Tweets Plea To Unvaccinated

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