UF Gators Head Coach Billy Napier partners with Gainesville Fisher House

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/.