In a moving ceremony, Tiffin University football great Nate Washington took one more bow as his jersey 85 was retired by the football program.

With a packed house in attendance at the Marion Center, Washington, his family, and numerous football alumni gathered for the ceremony. Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher acknowledged Washington's impact with the university, while Voice of the Dragons Russ Snyder listed his many honors and accomplishments. TU Head Football Coach Brett Ekkens also opened the event by saying, "We are excited to have Nate here with his family to celebrate his accomplishments."

A personal testimonial was given by Washington's close friend Melvin Moss, who remarked, "I wish there could be an award for how great of a person Nate is on top of his athletic accolades." He led the crowd in a toast to Washington.

After a video highlight that showed footage from Nate's Tiffin and NFL career with Pittsburgh and Tennessee, Athletic Director Kelly Daniel mentioned the bridges being built between Washington and the football program.

"We are building traditions," Daniel said. "There is a legacy here to be honored. Nate's children need to see his legacy honored in the halls of Tiffin University. We are excited to have him back."

After receiving a gift from the university, Washington took the stage.

"I want to thank Tiffin University, President Lillian Schumacher, and Kelly Daniel for this great evening," said Washington. "This is a tradition I want to be a part of. It is important to see where Tiffin's football culture goes, how it evolves. When I heard the news about retiring my jersey, I burst into tears. To start this new tradition is a tremendous honor."

Washington recounted his history from the streets of Toledo, Ohio, playing for Scott High School, being recruited by former Dragons Head Coach Nate Cole, how his mother played a big factor in selecting Tiffin for him, and also why the number 85 holds special significance for him.

"When I came here I started on the junior varsity team and wore number 5," Washington recalled. "I worked my way up to the travel squad but had a rough start over the first couple games. I didn't know anyone on the team and was struggling. It was overwhelming. But a positive talk from Coach Cole and changing my number to 85 when I moved to the travel squad was like getting a clean slate on the team. It motivated me. The opportunity presented itself and I took advantage of it."

Washington finished his speech with a motivational message of his own.

"Whatever you put your mind to, you can do it," he said. "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."

A commemorative coin was also distributed to the members of the Tiffin football team with the inscription "Never allow circumstances to dictate the outcome." The crowd then moved to the Heminger Center where a special banner was unveiled to honor Forever 85 Nate Washington. Washington then concluded the ceremony with some inspiring words to the assembled football team.

In conjunction with the ceremony this weekend, Washington will also serve as an Honorary Coach at the annual spring football game on April 20 at 1 pm at Frost Kalnow Stadium.