Our Story
THE STORY BEHIND HERD BROTHERS
For our founder, Jared Turner, brotherhood has been a defining part of his life.
He first experienced it as a Marshall football player, where teammates became family through sacrifice, trust, hard work, and a shared commitment to something bigger than themselves.
After football, Jared continued a life of service through law enforcement and later traveled to Iraq in support of the United States military. Less than 20 days before returning home, Jared was severely injured by an IED blast—an experience that changed his life forever.
When Jared came home, he was reminded of the strength of the brotherhood he had built at Marshall. His former teammates and the Marshall family rallied around him, offering support, friendship, and encouragement during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
That experience reinforced something Jared had learned years earlier on the football field: true brotherhood does not end when the game is over.
That belief helped inspire Herd Brothers—an organization built to reconnect the Marshall football family, honor those who built its legacy, and turn the lifelong bonds created through football into meaningful purpose.
The game may end. The mission may change. But brotherhood remains.
ONE HERD. ONE FAMILY. FOREVER BROTHERS.
RED DAWSON AWARD
The Red Dawson Award serves as our highest honor, recognizing those who exemplify the spirit of Marshall University and the enduring power of brotherhood. Established to celebrate the legacy of Coach Red Dawson, this award honors the resilience of the human spirit and the lifelong bonds formed on the field.
The Creation and Inspiration Behind the Red Dawson Award
The Red Dawson Award honors a man who defines the very best of the Marshall family. Inspired by Coach Dawson’s extraordinary character, humility, and unwavering loyalty, this recognition celebrates individuals who share his deep commitment to service, friendship, and the lifelong bonds of brotherhood.
More than a measure of titles or victories, Coach Dawson’s true legacy is found in the lives he touched. He demonstrated that true leadership means putting others first and remaining devoted to your community through both triumph and tragedy. This award captures that spirit by recognizing those who strengthen our common bond and support others in times of need.
Recipients of this honor join a continuing legacy of compassion and integrity. By carrying these values forward, they preserve the unique spirit of the Herd and demonstrate the enduring power of our family. The Red Dawson Award serves as a lasting reminder that loyalty and service remain the heart of everything we achieve together.
OUR CORE MISSION
STRENGTHENING THE HERD THROUGH UNWAVERING SUPPORT.
WHAT STARTS AS A TEAM BECOMES A FAMILY.
And family shows up.
