Celebrities Slug It Out for Folds of Honor

What better way to raise money for an amazing non-profit foundation like Folds of Honor than a celebrity softball game the week of CMA Fest. For the fifth year in a row, Folds of Honor of Tennessee put on the 2025 Rock-N-Jock Celebrity Softball game at the First Horizon Ballpark in Nashville on June 2. The "most patriotic softball game in America," was presented by Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) with all seats selling out, raising the bar on fundraising. The annual fundraiser also took time to highlight the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military.

It was an honor sitting in the stands of the game when every military service member and first responder stood. They were recognized and cheered on loudly, but then you could hear whispers across the stadium, "thank you for your service." Military personnel, first responders, friends, and families spent time together on a beautiful evening, supporting the group and cheering on their favorite celebrities.

The teams came together and raised more than $670,000 for Folds of Honor, whose mission is to provide tuition for families of military and first responders who have been injured or fallen in the line of duty.

“It feels great to be invited — to be a part of a great organization that is really giving back to men and women who have given everything for this country," said professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler. "It holds a real special place in my heart.”

“Some of the greatest service that one can give outside of uniform is supporting those in uniform in some sort of capacity,” said Col. Nick Nichols, president of Folds of Honor.

FOH is there for the families after the dust settles when loss shatters their lives. Tuition for family members is a burden on any family, but now add to the struggle the loss of a parent or spouse who was supposed to be there to shoulder that cost. The FOH community steps in and helps provide when families need it most.

How did the state of Tennessee show up? For the first time, fans completely sold out the Nashville Sounds stadium to watch their favorite celebrities duel it out in a fun and entertaining softball game.

Two teams are formed each year, with one honoring first responders and the other honoring members of the military. Team First Responders were coached by Tyjae Spears and T’vondre Sweat of the Tennessee Titans, with Titans veterans Keith Bullocks and Delanie Walker coaching Team Military.

This year, team captains were MMA fighter Michael Chandler and Hook & Barrel alum Riley Green. The team rosters were filled with musicians, including more H&B alums Chase Rice, Jordan Davis, and Ashley Cooke, among others.

Athletes were also invited to play for charity, including Jay Cutler, Ryan Sheckler, and swimmer/political activist Riley Gaines. Just before the game, Gaines proudly said, “There is no better cause than supporting the families of the fallen or disabled military and first responders."

“We are here for Folds of Honor, a great program for military, first responders and their families, giving money in the form of scholarships for these kids,” said Cutler, a retired NFL quarterback who played for the Chicago Bears, the Denver Broncos, and, briefly, the Miami Dolphins, and the current owner of Outsider.com.

There was a lot to smile about at the Folds Of Honor Rock-N-Jock game, especially with comedians John Crist and Danae Hays, who were a hit on the field and with the crowd for some great entertainment and athletic skill.

Riley Green and BRCC's Mat Best each individua­lly gave $75,000 to FOH to help drive that total over $670,000.

“Folds of Honor is so special to me,” Green said, “because they do so much for the families of veterans, which is something you don't think about every day, how they are going to get through their everyday life."

He has been a part of this event for all five years and has noticed the growth of community support.

“Seeing the stands sold out was pretty great,” Green added.

The game was super entertaining for fans in the stands, and there was a lot of action. Country music artist Gavin Adcock scored a home run as did Adam Doleac, and captain Michael Chandler hit a grand slam! Comedian Danae Hays brought her years of softball athletics to her team with a few caught balls for outs, and singer-songwriter Zack Top was seen warming up before the game with a classic beer hat — filled with what, we’re not sure.

Officially, Team First Responders won the game, but it seems that all who took part — players, coaches and spectators — were winners.

President Donald Trump sent his words of support and welcomed Lee Greenwood to the Seventh Inning Stretch to sing "God Bless the USA." The crowd erupted and sang along. Even some of the neighboring condo residents joined in from their balconies.

Folds of Honor Tennessee thanked the major sponsors for the game:  BRCC, LKQ, Camel Express Car Wash, Brauer Material Handling Systems, and Jockey.

For some sights and sounds from the game, check out the Hook & Barrel playlist. Be sure to catch what Riley Green couldn't.