In today’s episode of This Hits Different, Shelby Cassesse tells the story of Franklin Regional football player Andrew Nesler, who is raising money for veterans through pledges based on his play on the field.
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Football player raising money for veterans through play
Andrew Nesler didn't know what he wanted to do, but he knew he needed to do something.
“I was like, I really want to help somebody, and I really want it to involve football,” he said. “I really want to make an impact.”
The rising senior football player at Franklin Regional turned to his mentor for help, the team's character coach, Tim Florian.
“He invited me up to this summit up at Outdoor Odyssey,” Nesler recalled.
It's an organization dedicated to helping veterans readjust to civilian life. Nesler visited the facility in Boswell, inspired by the organization's mission and the people who were there seeking help.
“It was really eye opening, past the Murrysville bubble, I guess you could say, to a lot of hardships that people endure,” he said. “Especially people who sacrifice so much for our country.”
Nesler’s visit wasn't even over, but he knew that was his cause.
“I go to coach Florian, and I go, ‘Yeah, no, this is it, this is what I want to do,’” Nessler said. “Right there and then, me and him were sitting down at the cafeteria table, writing down ideas and how we were going to get this done.”
It was a perfect fit, not just because he was moved by what he saw, but also because his brother is in the navy, and Coach Florian has a military background himself.
“One of the best people I know in my life,” Nesler said. “Knowing that I can help people out like coach Florian, is primarily the main reason. And giving back to the people who serve us.”
Inspired by Penn-Trafford linebacker Jack Jollie, who raised money per tackle for Penn Township Police last year, Nelson created Defense for Defense.
He will raise money through his performance on the field this season. He's taking pledges now, and will raise money per tackle, tackle for loss, forced turnover and sack once the season gets underway.
He's hoping to raise $30,000 for veterans by the end of the season.
“Playing under the Friday night lights, it’s a great feeling that I wish I could give to everybody,” he said. “But football is bigger than that. To be able to help people (by) doing something I love is something that I wanted to pursue.”
Read more about Andrew Nesler’s mission, and donate to his cause, here: https://www.defensefordefense.org/