Merger Veterans and Players (MVP) is an organization that works to bring together military veterans and former professional players as a new team to help with the transition period after taking off the uniform. The organization was founded by legendary sports journalist Jay Glazer, but has several people working with him to help the cause. One of them is Nate Boyer, who understands the connection between veteran and player because he has worn both uniforms.
Boyer is a retired United States Army Green Beret. He served a total of ten years, half on active duty and the other half as part of the National Guard. Once he completed qualifying school, he served as a Green Beret throughout his military career and retired as a staff sergeant. Boyer was originally inspired to join the military after the September 11 attacks on the United States. These attacks inspired him to start thinking about it, and he finally decided to do so in 2004 after taking part in a trip to Africa to help refugees.
“I was just blown away by the generosity and how grateful people were that an American was there to help them. “I wanted to be able to fight for people who can’t fight for themselves and give my services to the world. Wanted to lend wherever needed.”
Because of this choice, he will follow in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers, who fought in World War II. He also has a cousin who joined the Air Force Academy. When Boyer decided to join, the United States was already present in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as elsewhere in the world. Being able to do his part in making the planet a safer place was something Nate Boyer felt he not only could, but should.
“I just wanted to be a part of it. I had a lot of friends who signed up, and I felt like it was the right time for me.
A new world for netboys
Boyer’s travels would take him to many different locations around the world, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Israel, Greece, Bulgaria, and he was stationed at one point in Japan. During this time he was involved in many important missions and causes. Obviously, he’s proud of his entire career, but there was one moment that still stands out, and that’s when he became a Green Beret.
“I remember standing in formation after two years of training. I was pretty sure I made it, but I didn’t know,” Boyer said. “There were Green Berets at graduation, and one of them came up behind me and whispered in my ear, ‘Welcome to the brotherhood.’ I remember the chills that went through my body and the pride I felt. was
Nate Boyer would finish his career in the National Guard while attending college at the University of Texas. When he was in school he would wear another uniform – a longhorn helmet and jersey as part of the football team. At age 29, it may be a little late to play college football, especially when you’ve never played organized in your life. Boyer didn’t let that stop him from trying.
“I had never played before, and that was my regret growing up,” he recalled. “Worst case scenario, I’ll be cut and nothing changes. So, I might as well try.”
Learning how to take long snaps on the fly
Boyer didn’t cut it. While in Iraq he actually spent time learning how to backpedal and run the trails, and the hard work paid off. He joined the team as a safety, and he became a long snapper during his sophomore year. Boyer started for three years, and earned numerous accolades, including the 2012-13 Big 12 Sportsman of the Year, and the inaugural Armed Forces Merit Award. Boyer is most proud of the fact that he can call himself an Academic All-American. He is grateful for his time on the gridiron in Austin.
“It was great. I was fortunate to have the experience.”
Boyer’s next steps will take him to the NFL. Despite going undrafted, he was signed as a free agent by the Seattle Seahawks in 2015. He ultimately didn’t make the regular season roster, but he did get to play in the preseason, something he’s very proud of. till today.
“I was thrilled to have the opportunity with the Seahawks. I only played one game, but I carried the team out of the tunnel carrying the American flag. I also got to play the entire second half of that game against the Denver Broncos, and I played well.
Nate Boyer found a new mission in life
Nate Boyer did not play at all this season. He received calls the following offseason, but never made the roster. He chose to move on from football at the age of 35. Around the same time that Boyer was thinking about his future, the opportunity to join Glazer and start MVP came up, and he took full advantage of it.
“We co-founded MVP on December 7th, 2015. December 7th was the same day as Pearl Harbor Day in 1941. We’re closing in on our 7th anniversary, which we’re pretty excited about.”
MVP’s overall mission is to help both combat vets and former pro athletes find a new purpose and identity, which is very important because both groups associate themselves with their uniforms because it represents who they are and who they are while wearing them. Their mission is to expand. The importance of being able to move forward with a new chapter in life cannot be overstated.
“The No. 1 thing that both the vets and the players miss is the locker room and the guys,” Boyer noted. “Other than mission and purpose, they can’t find that camaraderie anywhere else.”
Boyer shared that the bond he misses is due to the fact that players go through training camp and the season with other players, including setbacks, losses and injuries. Military members go through all of this and more simply because of the level of commitment they have to the country. The work that MVP is doing not only helps both groups make new connections, but it is making a positive impact on the lives of the people and their families they work with.
“That’s what MVP was born from. There’s definitely more in the tank and bigger things than we can do, but we need to find like-minded people who have experience. What we have experienced.”
MVP has eight chapters across the country as well as a virtual chapter that veterans and ex-professionals can join to continue MVP’s mission. To learn more, visit www.vetsandplayers.organd follow. @mergingvetsandplayers on Instagram.
Follow Netboyer on Instagram. @nateboyer37.
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