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In 2015, Fox Sports analyst Jay Glazer and former Green Beret and NFL alumnus Nate Boyer co-founded Merging Vets and Players (MVP) to address a powerful and often overlooked truth: Veterans and professional athletes face strikingly similar challenges once the uniform comes off. Whether on the battlefield or the playing field, both groups dedicate their lives to teamwork, sacrifice and service. When that chapter ends, many find themselves searching for purpose, identity and connection in a world that no longer feels familiar.
MVP was created to fill that gap.
What began as a peer support program for combat Veterans and elite athletes has evolved into a nationwide movement; MVP has announced a shift in its mission: It now serves all Veterans who have worn the uniform of the U.S. military, regardless of combat experience, alongside the continued support for former professional athletes.
A new team for life after service
MVP hosts weekly peer support sessions, in person and online, to create a consistent and welcoming space where Veterans and athletes come together, build community and grow stronger—physically, mentally and emotionally.
What to expect at an MVP session:
- Hour 1: Movement & Connection. Every session kicks off with a team-based workout at a local, privately owned gym. These workouts are adaptive and inclusive, designed to build trust and connection through shared effort.
- Hour 2: “The Huddle.” After the workout, members gather in a circle to talk. In this space—raw, real and rooted in shared experience—participants listen, speak and support one another. Each Huddle is guided by MVP-trained facilitators who are also Veterans and athletes.
It’s not just a workout. It’s not just a conversation. It’s a team. It’s a new mission.
Support that reaches you—wherever you are
With in-person chapters across the country and a dynamic virtual chapter, MVP is accessible from coast to coast—even for those in remote areas or on the move. Membership is at no cost and the sign-up process is quick and easy. Once your application is reviewed, your local program manager will reach out to welcome you and get you connected to your new team.
Find your nearest chapter or join virtually.
Beyond the gym: Building community, strengthening families
MVP goes beyond weekly programming by offering community events, family activities and holistic wellness opportunities. These gatherings create bridges between members and the broader community, inviting families, friends and supporters to witness and participate in the journey.
Recent events have included:
- Trauma-informed yoga classes.
- Psycho-educational workshops for Veterans and their loved ones.
- Public workouts that welcome families and local communities.
- Collaborations with sports teams and partner organizations focused on military and athlete transitions.
A movement of transformation
MVP is designed for support that leads to transformation. Members who once felt isolated regain confidence, form deep friendships, and take the lead in their communities. Some have found healing. Others have found purpose in giving back. Many have rediscovered the powerful truth that they are not alone. By expanding its reach to all Veterans, MVP is deepening its impact and strengthening the movement.
Join the MVP family
Whether your uniform was camouflage or a jersey, whether you served in combat or not, whether you’ve retired recently or decades ago—you belong here. If you’re navigating life after service and searching for that next mission, MVP is your team.
Your next chapter starts now. Your mission is far from over. Learn more, sign up, and get involved.
Walk with MVP during Carry The Load
This May, MVP is proud to participate in Carry The Load—a national movement to honor our nation’s heroes. You’re invited to walk alongside an MVP team or start your own under the Merging Vets and Players banner. Get involved and be part of this powerful tribute to service and sacrifice.
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I do not know if my information for registration went through because i don’t know how too upload.
I do not know how to upload
Let’s get it started
support is always needed for and with the confused ?
It would be my greatest honor to participate in the MVP Team. My grandson is playing football and track. I’m a disabled veteran that doesn’t get to go to his games to watch him play. I would like to help bring notice to him and I.
It is so unfortunate that there is no program available in Hawaii (home of many pro and olympics champions).
Where do you do the damage? Cost?
I would like to be considered for this.
Applied but got no confirmation. How do I know it went through?
I would love to workout with the athletes
My heart swelled with joy as tears filled my eyes as I read this… ” Whether on the battlefield or the playing field, both groups dedicate their lives to teamwork, sacrifice and service. When that chapter ends, many find themselves searching for purpose, identity and connection in a world that no longer feels familiar”
I am thankful for this opportunity and eager to join with kindred spirits!
I Would Love To Join
So glad they are on the VA Newletter. More veterans should know about MVP. As someone who lives the lonely road, MVP has ALWAYS been there for me. Super grateful!!
Is there equipment needed / provided for this program — particularly for vets in remote locations?
After my wife passing of 34 years I need support from real people! I am a Veteran and a 3 time Senior Olympian (Gold) medalist in 3×3 basketball.
Very interested for me and my wife!
This sounds like an amazing collaboration. I am a veteran and I would love to be apart of this program
My best friend is a retired 15 year ufc veteran. He has a great gym in Vancouver Washington. Hes done the tour for the troops twice. His gym would be a great outlet for some of our local vets.
I’d like to participate.
I would like to be considered for this program
What a joy to have professional athletes come together with the Veterans and lift up their spirits. I’m ready to meet an athlete. They show me how to better work through my pain when exercising and trying to play outside games or inside games.
This looks like an amazing program, I am really looking forward to it.
This would be a great opportunity for motivation of me.
Would enjoy a session with my teenage son, mvp, and myself. Thank you
It sounds like a phenomenal collaboration. Look forward to learning more about the process and ability to participate.
Want to do the pro athlete program.
I would like to do the pro athlete program
If there’s anything I can do.