Athletes Honor Heroes
Play for Something Bigger Than the Game
Coaches in Their Own Words
Hear directly from the coaches whose team(s) carry the names and legacies of fallen heroes
NCAA March Madness - Boston College
Coach Corban - VandyBoys
"Playing for a fallen hero gives me purpose beyond the game"
"Every time I step on that field wearing his name, I'm reminded that I'm playing for something bigger than myself. It's an honor I carry with pride."
— VandyBoys Baseball Player, 2024 Season
Current Annual Partnerships
These programs have committed to year-round remembrance, integrating fallen hero tributes throughout their entire season.
VandyBoys Baseball
Throughout the season, Vanderbilt Baseball players wear the names of fallen heroes on their jerseys, transforming every game into a tribute. Each player forms a personal connection with the hero they honor, learning their story and carrying their legacy onto the field.
Program Highlights:
- 45+ players and coaching staff honor fallen heroes each season
- Pre-game ceremonies and Gold Star family recognition
- Social media tributes and hero story sharing
"Their mission aligns perfectly with what we want to do with our Salute to Service uniforms. We wanted to find an impactful way to continue to honor those who served, but also paid the ultimate price for our freedom. With that, we wanted to organize it in a way that encompassed our entire group, instead of just those who may wear a helmet, which made the cleats and shoes a natural fit."— Brooks Webb, Vanderbilt Baseball General Manager and Chief of Staff
Custom Memorial Cleats + Memorial Patches
Each VandyBoys player and coach wears custom cleats inscribed with the names of fallen service members during their Sunday Salute to Service games throughout SEC play. This unique tribute ensures every member of the team participates in honoring our heroes.
Vanderbilt Football
In 2017, players wore the names of fallen service members on their nameplates in place of their own, honoring fallen heroes, with special recognition ceremonies during home games.
Read Official Announcement →
Professional Bull Riders
Elite bull riders honor fallen heroes at major PBR events across the nation, bringing remembrance to arenas nationwide.
Events: Major PBR competitions including Nashville, Fort Worth, and championship rounds
Photo Galleries: Sport by Sport
Baseball Partnerships
From college diamonds to professional fields, baseball players carry hero names on their jerseys throughout the season
Football Partnerships
College football programs integrate memorial patches and pre-game tributes into their season traditions
Professional Sports & Other Partnerships
From bull riding to racing, professional athletes across sports honor fallen heroes on the biggest stages
How Athletic Partnerships Work
A proven three-step process for integrating hero remembrance into your athletic program
Partnership Formation
We work with your athletic department to design a tribute program that fits your team's culture and season schedule. From jersey names to memorial patches to pre-game ceremonies, we customize the partnership to honor heroes meaningfully.
Hero Selection & Matching
Each athlete is paired with a fallen hero, receiving their full story, service details, and family connection. Players learn about the hero they'll honor, creating personal bonds that transform remembrance from abstract to deeply personal.
Season-Long Honor
Athletes carry hero names on jerseys, patches, or shooting shirts throughout the season. We coordinate pre-game ceremonies, social media campaigns, family invitations to games, and commemorative items that honor both the heroes and the athletes who remember them.
What Your Program Receives
Hero Information Packets
Detailed biography, service record, and family story for each hero
Ceremony Support
Pre-game scripts, Gold Star family coordination, and event planning
Marketing Materials
Social media graphics, press releases, and promotional content
Commemorative Items
Certificates, photos, and mementos for athletes and families
Other Partnerships
We've worked with prestigious athletic programs across the nation, demonstrating the universal power of sports to honor and remember
Vanderbilt
Football
Boston
College
Bucknell
University
Texas
Rangers
IndyCar
Racing
Bring This Mission to Your Program
Partner with Memories of Honor to create meaningful tributes that honor fallen heroes while building character and gratitude in your athletes.
Why Athletic Directors Choose This Partnership
Builds Team Character
Athletes develop gratitude, perspective, and purpose beyond wins and losses
Community Connection
Strengthens bonds with military families, veterans, and local communities
Positive Media Coverage
Generates heartfelt stories that showcase your program's values and impact
Turnkey Implementation
We handle logistics, coordination, and materials—minimal burden on your staff