On June 2, 2025, the city of Nashville transformed into more than just the beating heart of country music โ it became the epicenter of unity, generosity, and all-American spirit. Under the glow of stadium lights at First Horizon Park, stars of the stage, screen, and sports world stepped onto the softball diamond not for glory, but for purpose. The Rock โN Jock Celebrity Softball Game brought together a powerhouse lineup of artists, athletes, influencers, and fans in support of Folds of Honor, raising over $670,000 to fund educational scholarships for families of fallen and disabled service members.
It wasnโt just a game. It was a movement wrapped in music, laughter, and heart โ a grand slam that echoed far beyond the outfield fence.
โญ THE STARS ALIGN: A CAST UNLIKE ANY OTHER
The event drew a dazzling spectrum of celebrities, from the twang of country music to the fire of MMA, the hustle of pro football to the charm of online personalities. Attendees included:
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Riley Green, HARDY, Justin Moore, Tyler Hubbard, RaeLynn, and Adam Doleac โ each bringing Nashvilleโs signature sound to the field.
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Michael Chandler (UFC), Riley Gaines (Olympian), and NFL veterans who swapped cleats for turf shoes in a show of support and swagger.
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Internet favorites like John Crist, Danae Hays, and members of the Black Rifle Coffee Company kept the game light-hearted, comedic, and community-focused.
Split into Team Military and Team First Responders, the match was more than competitive โ it was a shared display of gratitude, humility, and hometown pride.
โพ A GAME FILLED WITH FIREWORKS โ ON AND OFF THE FIELD
As the innings unfolded, so too did unforgettable plays. The most talked-about moment of the night? Michael Chandler, known for his octagon grit, proved he was just as dangerous with a bat โ slamming a grand slam that sent fans to their feet and clinched victory for Team First Responders.
Gavin Adcock also delivered a crowd-erupting home run that echoed into the Nashville night, while Adam Doleac brought Team Military back into contention with a moonshot of his own.
But perhaps more moving than the scoreboard were the moments between the lines: teammates hugging, veterans wiping away tears, and celebrities pausing mid-game to thank service members watching from the stands.
Between innings, surprise acoustic sets broke out, impromptu fan meetups occurred behind home plate, and children of fallen soldiers threw ceremonial first pitches that had the crowd cheering with misty eyes.
FOLDS OF HONOR: WHY IT ALL MATTERED
Founded in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 52,000 scholarships to military and first responder families. But events like Rock โN Jock give those statistics faces โ the young daughter in the crowd whose father didnโt come home, the widow clutching her husbandโs dog tags, the teenager who now dreams of college because a community chose to care.
This yearโs event broke previous donation records, thanks in large part to two extraordinary gestures:
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Riley Green, in a moment that stunned the stadium, announced a personal donation of $75,000, his voice cracking as he spoke of his grandfatherโs military legacy.
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Mat Best, veteran, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee Company, matched Greenโs donation on behalf of the company.
Together with ticket sales, merchandise, and silent auction proceeds, the total amount raised soared past $670,000 โ a staggering figure that translates into real hope for real families.
๐ต WHEN PATRIOTISM MEETS PERFORMANCE
As night fell and the scoreboard clock ticked down, the stadium lights dimmed slightly. Then, in a hush of anticipation, country legend Lee Greenwood emerged to sing โGod Bless the USA.โ The moment โ already electric โ became almost sacred.
Fans stood with hands over hearts. Players lined up in silence. And for a few minutes, Nashville didnโt feel like a city โ it felt like a nation, united in memory, mission, and music.
That was the soul of Rock ‘N Jock. Not the celebrity. Not the home runs. But the reminder that behind every spotlight is a shadow of sacrifice.
๐ธ RELIVE THE NIGHT: HIGHLIGHTS & WHERE TO WATCH
The official highlight reel is now available on YouTube, capturing:
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Michael Chandlerโs grand slam
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Riley Green’s emotional donation announcement
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Crowd reaction to Lee Greenwoodโs performance
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Exclusive dugout interactions and post-game interviews
๐ฅ Watch the full recap here
Photo galleries from the night, featuring star players, crowd shots, and backstage moments, are available via Folds of Honor, Black Rifle Coffee, and individual celebrity accounts on Instagram and X (Twitter).
๐ LEGACY, LAUGHTER & LOOKING AHEAD
In its short history, the Rock โN Jock Celebrity Softball Game has become one of Nashvilleโs signature annual traditions. Itโs not just a night of celebrity cameos โ itโs a masterclass in what community looks like when it shows up for something greater than itself.
With plans already underway for Rock โN Jock 2026, organizers are aiming even higher โ more stars, more scholarships, more cities, and more lives changed.
As Michael Chandler said during his post-game interview:
โIโve fought in the toughest cages in the world. But nothing compares to standing on this field, playing for the people whoโve given us everything.โ
๐ฌ HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Couldnโt make the game? You can still make an impact.
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Donate directly to Folds of Honor
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Purchase exclusive merch from the event, with 100% of profits going toward scholarships
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Follow and support the celebrities who made this event possible, many of whom are long-term ambassadors for the cause
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Nominate a heroโs family who could benefit from the scholarships provided
๐ฏ FINAL SCORE: COMPASSION WINS
At its core, Rock ‘N Jock 2025 reminded everyone why we play, why we gather, and why we give. It proved that music and sport, when aligned with mission, can do more than entertain โ they can heal, uplift, and honor.
In a time when headlines often divide, this night in Nashville brought us together.
And as the crowd poured into the streets, chants still echoing, one truth was clear:
Heroes were honored. Hearts were full. And hope, once again, hit it out of the park.
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