Podtalk: Director, Co-Writer & Lead Actor Nate Boyer is an ‘MVP’

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

CHICAGO – What links the military and football players? The uniforms, the camaraderie and a shared purpose are some examples. The new film “MVP,” currently available through Video On Demand, explores those links and what happens when those careers get separated from the individual. Nate Boyer co-wrote, directed and is the lead actor in the film.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

“MVP” is based on the true story in the formation of Merging Vets & Players, a nonprofit founded by Boyer and Fox Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer, which empowers/connects combat veterans and former professional athletes. This provides both sides with a new team to assist with transition to civilian life, promote personal development and just prove that they are never alone. 

MVP
Photo credit: FilmRise

The film takes place on the streets of Hollywood and centers on the growing friendship between a struggling recently retired NFL player Will (Mo McRae) and a homeless veteran named Zephyr (Nate Boyer), who suffers from PTSD. It reveals the common challenges faced by military veterans and professional athletes life once the uniform comes off. With their “glory days” behind them, the two men bond in search of real purpose and identity. The film is co-presented by the GNC Live Well Foundation and Executive Produced by Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions.

The film achieve its goals by fleshing out the characters of Will and Zephyr. Both McRae and Boyer turn in passionate performances as two sides of the same situational coin. Boyer in particular communicates, both through his story and role, the conflicts of trying to assimilate back to society after an experience that can never be duplicated again. The melding of military vets and ex-footballers makes psychological sense, and this scenario gives them the space to experience revelation and healing.

Filmmaker and Actor Nate Boyer in ‘MVP’
Photo credit: FilmRise

Nate Boyer lived the film he completed. He served six tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Green Beret. After leaving the military he went to college and played Division One football at the University of Texas, despite being a decade older than his teammates. He was signed and played briefly for the Seattle Seahawks.

Having both experience as a vet and a football player, Boyer was prepared for the next stage, which included acting (“12 Strong”) and activism. His stature increased immensely when as a decorated vet, he supported Colin Kaepernick and his right to take a knee … leading to a very famous photo of him saluting while Kap did his protest on field. As a humanitarian, Boyer was instrumental in helping to create the organization Merging Vets & Players (MVP).

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, co-writer/director/lead actor Nate Boyer talks about the background and development of “MVP” …

In Part Two, Boyer talks about breakthroughs in the Merging Vets & Players org, and filmmaking versus military …

Trailer for “MVP” …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor, Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com