GAINESVILLE, FL--(Marketwire - Mar 20, 2012) - The Gator Nation is becoming a little tighter for former University of Florida football players. In an environment where many athletes are often isolated from former athletic organizations, a new group called Florida Players Network (FPN) has emerged to unite and support former Gator football players and give back to the Gainesville community.
"Our mission is to bring together former Gator football players into a networking environment that will help strengthen us individually and provide support to players and families in need," says Chris Doering, president of the nonprofit FPN and former UF wide receiver and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee. "But we also want to work together as a collective force to serve the community of Gainesville that has been so critical to our individual success."
Doering says there are more than 2,500 former UF football players who can be part of FPN. The organization will select a charitable cause in Gainesville each year and host networking events to raise funds for the designated charity. This year, the group has selected Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida.
The inaugural FPN Spring Spectacular events will take place during the Orange and Blue Debut game weekend, April 5-7. Some of the activities will include a tour of Shands Hospital for Children, a golf tournament, flag football game, tailgate party and a blue carpet event at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Champions Club, with guest of honor, UF's Coach Will Muschamp.
"We want to create positive opportunities for any football player who is part of the Gator Nation," says FPN board member, three-time Super Bowl champion, former UF running back and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, Emmitt Smith. "Together we can make a difference in Gainesville and in the lives of so many who made a difference for this community. We want FPN to be another shining example of how strong UF's football program really is for its players."
Former UF football players can register for FPN's Spring Spectacular events (many of which are free) at www.floridaplayersnetwork.org. Events are also open to FPN sponsors. FPN's Spring Spectacular sponsors include: Panhandle Orthopedic, Jason Myers Photography, Pep, Pitch Inc., Gallo Winery, Mark McGriff State Farm Insurance, Ocala Poker, Darlene D'Andrea, Holmes Stamp & Sign, Pet Paradise, UBS, Raymond Melee, Ali and Alec Winter. To become a sponsor go to: www.floridaplayersnetwork.org
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