Merging Vets and Players: Building Community Beyond the Uniform
by Leslie Parsons
Founded in 2015 by Jay Glazer, a Fox Sports NFL insider, and Nate Boyer, a former Green Beret and NFL player, Merging Vets and Players (MVP) is a non-profit organization designed to support military veterans and former professional athletes as they navigate life after service or sports.
Both groups often face a profound loss of purpose, identity, and camaraderie once they leave behind the structured, goal-driven environments they once thrived in. MVP aims to help these individuals regain a sense of community, empowerment, and direction by bringing them together in a supportive environment. At the core of MVP’s programming is the fusion of physical fitness and open conversation. Participants gather weekly for workouts in gyms across the country and online. These sessions are not just about breaking a sweat but are followed by what is known as “The Huddle.” During The Huddle, members engage in candid discussions about their personal struggles, triumphs, and life beyond their careers.
While issues related to transition are regularly addressed, they are not MVP’s sole focus. The program emphasizes the full spectrum of life’s challenges, acknowledging that finding purpose doesn’t stop at a job or a career. From the difficulties of new fatherhood to relationship issues or just navigating everyday stress, MVP helps veterans and athletes reconnect with the core values of teamwork and shared experience.
Each chapter’s meetings are led by MVP staff members trained to facilitate discussions with supportive prompts. Though they are not licensed therapists, these staffers are well-equipped to recognize when a member might need further mental health resources. This holistic approach fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect, allowing participants to look out for one another and help identify when someone may be struggling with deeper issues.
The program has been widely successful since its inception, with eight active chapters across the United States, as well as an online chapter that caters to the needs of members around the world. The organization is actively working to expand both physically and virtually to reach more veterans and athletes in need. MVP is also working to increase the number of licensed mental health professionals on its staff and designing and implementing programming that targets the mental health needs of specific subsections of their community. Currently, they are building a program that is specifically geared towards addressing the unique challenges faced by female veterans and athletes.
In addition to its on-the-ground efforts, MVP is also gaining visibility through its recent documentary film “MVP,” which highlights the personal stories of its members and the power of its mission. The film underscores the deep connection between veterans and athletes, showing that while their paths may differ, the struggles of identity, belonging, and purpose are universal.
The True North Foundation is proud to support MVP and the work that they are doing in the veteran community. TO learn more about MVP and our other nonprofit partners, please be sure to sign up for our newsletter here.