Nate Boyer: How You Can Support Veterans and Athletes
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In this episode of Just Being Intentional with Thomas Harris, host Thomas Harris has an engaging conversation with Boyer, a former Green Beret, ex-football player, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP). Boyer shares his compelling life story, beginning with his childhood in the San Francisco Bay area and leading up to his decision to join the military, a choice spurred by his time in Darfur and the impact of the 9/11 events. He then recounts his unique journey to becoming a football player for the University of Texas and his short stint with the Seattle Seahawks.
Throughout the episode, Boyer opens up about the difficulties of dealing with PTSD and the broader issue of trauma, challenging the stigma and highlighting that trauma is not exclusive to any one group. He delves into his work with Jay Glazer in co-founding MVP, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and athletes find community and purpose after their professional careers have ended.
Moreover, Boyer discusses his role in the production of a film that realistically depicts the challenges faced by service members transitioning back to civilian life. The conversation wraps up with Boyer and Harris emphasizing the significance of living intentionally, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing personal well-being.
Key moments:
1:04 - Nate Boyer's Background
Nate Boyer's childhood in the San Francisco Bay area and his sports interests.
3:57 - Motivation for Joining the Military
Nate Boyer's initial lack of direction and his experience in Darfur leading to a sense of purpose.
9:37 - Becoming a Green Beret
The decision to join the military, the 18 X-Ray program, and the motivation to be part of the Special Forces.
11:55 - Challenges of Trauma and PTSD
Nate Boyer's firsthand experiences of war, the impact of trauma, and the broader understanding of trauma as a human issue.
16:58 - Transition to University of Texas Longhorns
Nate Boyer's decision to attend the University of Texas, walk on to the football team, and his role as a long snapper.
19:37 - Merging Vets and Players
An introduction to the organization co-founded by Nate Boyer and its purpose.
19:55 - The opportunity to play for the Seahawks
Nate Boyer talks about getting an unexpected opportunity to play for the Seattle Seahawks after thinking his football career was over.
20:31 - Founding of MVP
Nate Boyer discusses co-founding Merging Vets and Players (MVP) with Jay Glazer, emphasizing the need to support veterans and athletes in their transition to civilian life.
22:08 - MVP's expansion and impact
Nate Boyer and Thomas Harris discuss the growth of MVP, its impact on veterans and athletes, and plans for expansion, including engagements in Nashville and partnerships with sports teams.
24:42 - Making the MVP movie
Nate Boyer shares the process of making the MVP movie, discussing the challenges, the involvement of veterans, and the support received from celebrities like Sylvester Stallone and Wiz Khalifa.
29:22 - MVP's influence and connections
Thomas Harris discusses how being a part of MVP led to new opportunities, including officiating high school football games, highlighting the program's ability to make meaningful connections.
31:27 - The importance of being intentional
Nate Boyer reflects on the challenge of saying no and the need to prioritize self-care, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about personal and professional boundaries.
33:11 - Gratitude and commitment to MVP
Thomas Harris expresses gratitude for the impact of MVP and acknowledges the need to balance service with self-care, while Nate Boyer reaffirms his commitment to the mission of MVP.
Mentioned in this episode:
Merging Vets and Players (MVP) organization
University of Tennessee
UC Berkeley
Golden Gate Fields horse racing track
San Francisco 49ers (Niners)
San Francisco Giants
Golden State Warriors
Darfur, Sudan
18 X-Ray Program
Special Forces (Green Berets)
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
University of Texas Longhorns
Central Texas College
Unbreakable Performance Center
MVP (Merging Vets and Players)
Hollywood Veterans Center
Paramount Plus
Mike Pereira from Fox