Our own Nate Boyer, Walk On to the Stars is in the news as his organization is still doing great work.
https://www.missionrollcall.org/post/from-green-beret-to-nfl-player-and-advocate-for-veterans
Boyer succeeded and served as a Green Beret before an unlikely mascot helped guide his next steps. He was deployed to Iraq in 2008-2009, and as his active duty time ended, something caught his eye. “In the Army at least, the most popular sports logo was the Texas Longhorn,” Nate laughed. “That informed my decision to move to Austin for college once I was out.”
Encouraged by his best friend, Brad Keys, who tragically passed away in 2012, Boyer decided to walk on to the University of Texas football team, despite never having played a down of organized football. He redshirted his freshman year in 2010 and made his debut in 2011 against Texas Tech as a member of the kickoff team. Balancing his duties in the National Guard, Boyer deployed again on two 180-day rotations to Afghanistan before his junior and senior seasons.
He later became the team's starting long snapper, playing 38 consecutive games for the Longhorns. From 2012 to 2014, Boyer was a first-team Academic All-Big 12 Conference member, and an Academic All-American in 2014. He was also named the 2012–13 Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year, becoming the third Longhorn to receive this honor, and was the inaugural winner of the Armed Forces Merit Award. Additionally, he was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2013.
He played one game for the Seattle Seahawks as a long snapper in 2015, and while his time in the NFL was short-lived, it opened doors to new opportunities and connections. One such connection was Jay Glazer, a television personality and sports reporter, who took Boyer under his wing, helping him bulk up and secure an agent. When Boyer was cut from the Seahawks, Glazer suggested they co-found Merging Vets and Players (MVP).
MVP was born from the recognition that both former professional athletes and military veterans often struggle to adjust to “civilian” life after their careers end. "For former professional athletes and military members, they tend to lose their identity and purpose when they lose their uniform," Boyer explains. The loss of camaraderie, identity, and purpose can be a daunting challenge. MVP provides a support network, helping these individuals find a new sense of belonging and purpose.
MVP's programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans and former athletes. Weekly MVP meetings allow these individuals to share their experiences and support one another through peer-to-peer coaching, physical fitness, and community-building activities.
Charlie Mike Nate. . . .continue the mission.
https://www.missionrollcall.org/post/from-green-beret-to-nfl-player-and-advocate-for-veterans
