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UF Gators Head Coach Billy Napier partners with Gainesville Fisher House

UF Football and Fisher House Representatives
The University of Florida Gators Head Football Coach, Billy Napier along with Mrs. Patti Fabiani, Executive Director of Gainesville Fisher House Foundation, Mr. Rick Fabiani, President of Gainesville Fisher House Foundation and Mr. Kimo Ortiz (Far Left), Gainesville Fisher House Manager, pose in front of five special edition black jerseys honoring members of the armed forces, Veterans, and local first responders. The jerseys will be auctioned May 25 with all proceeds directly benefitting the Gainesville Fisher House
By Ryan Jernegan

The University of Florida Gators Head Football Coach, Billy Napier, has partnered with the Gainesville Fisher House today while donating five special edition UF Gator’s football jerseys which are set to be sold at auction, May 25.

UF and North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System have long been community partners and this example cements that relationship further.

During the 2023 College Football Season, the Gators donned special edition black jerseys to honor members of the armed forces, Veterans, and local first responders during their game against the Arkansas Razorbacks, Nov. 4, 2023. Adorned on the nameplate of the jerseys are terms closely associated with military service and first responders: Honor, Courage, Commitment, Integrity, and Excellence.

The initial purpose of the jerseys, according to Coach Napier, was to create awareness, while also demonstrating appreciation and gratitude to all branches of military service and first responders. 

“I think it is a unique decision in life, in trying to figure out our path in life,” said Napier. “It takes a little something special to choose that path, putting your life at stake, and I think the military reflects life as much as anything we have in terms of life, the makeup of a team. The sacrifice, discipline, connection with people, and I have a ton of respect for them.”

The auction of the unique, signed jerseys will directly impact the Gainesville Fisher House Foundation which provides comfortable and affordable housing for families of Veterans being treated at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center here in Gainesville.

Fisher Houses are built through public donations and contributions from the National Fisher House Foundation and the local Veterans Health System assumes responsibility for the operating costs of the finished homes. The Gainesville Fisher House is approximately 15,000 square feet, 100 percent handicapped accessible, fully furnished, and includes 20 bedrooms, a large, fully equipped kitchen, dining rooms and washers and dryers. 

Coach Napier went onto praise the Fisher house and the mission they carry out. “The Fisher House is unique in its cause and the help they provide,” said Napier. “These people that protected the freedoms we may take for granted, they have families too and I think that is the unique thing about the Fisher House.”

The North Florida/South Georgia VHS is grateful for the efforts of Coach Napier and look forward to further partnerships strengthening our community ties which greatly contribute to our Veterans as well as the greater Gainesville area. 

For auction information and to bid on the jerseys, please visit https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/327892_signed-football-jerseys-antiques-and-more/. 

For more information on the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Gainesville Fisher House, please visit Gainesville Fisher House | VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care | Veterans Affairs.

For more information on the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/.