Riley Green Leads Team Military to Victory as Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball Game Raises Record $701,460 for Folds of Honor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — CMA Fest week officially got off to a powerful start Monday night as thousands of fans packed First Horizon Park for the sixth annual Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball Game, benefiting Folds of Honor Tennessee. What began as a fun night of softball featuring country stars, professional athletes, first responders, and military heroes turned into one of the most successful fundraising events in the organization's history.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

By the time the final out was recorded, Team Military had edged Team First Responders in a dramatic 9-8 victory, but the real winner of the evening was the mission behind the event. This year’s game raised a record-breaking $701,460, providing educational scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. More than 9,000 fans filled the home of the Nashville Sounds, creating an electric atmosphere that felt part country concert, part sporting event, and entirely dedicated to giving back. The annual event has become a staple of CMA Fest week in Nashville, bringing together some of the biggest names in country music alongside athletes, veterans, and community leaders. This year’s lineup may have been the strongest yet.

Leading Team Military was country superstar Riley Green, who captained a roster featuring artists including Zach Top, Gavin Adcock, Jordan Davis, Warren Zeiders, Parker McCollum, Chris Lane, Ashley Cooke, Priscilla Block, Zach John King, Cooper Alan, HARDY, RaeLynn, McCoy Moore, and Jessie James Decker. Joining them on the field were sports stars and personalities such as Roger Clemens, Jay Cutler, Travis Pastrana, Ross Chastain, Golden Tate, Eric Decker, Jermaine Johnson, JC Latham, and others. Throughout the evening, fans were treated to plenty of entertainment, both on and off the field. While the game maintained a lighthearted and fun atmosphere, the competition became surprisingly intense as the score remained close throughout the night. In the end, Team Military secured a thrilling 9-8 victory, with comedian Danae Hays crossing the plate with the winning run. The close finish had fans on their feet and provided a fitting conclusion to a game that showcased both athleticism and camaraderie.

Several players delivered standout performances. Former NFL wide receiver Golden Tate earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after an impressive offensive showing that included one of the evening's memorable home runs. Fellow former NFL star Eric Decker was recognized as Defensive Player of the Game, making several highlight-worthy plays in the field while also launching a home run of his own. The long ball was on full display throughout the night. Fans erupted as Gavin Adcock, Eric Decker, Golden Tate, and Jay Cutler all sent balls over the fence, adding to the festive atmosphere that blended sports and entertainment seamlessly. While the action on the field kept fans engaged, the emotional moments throughout the evening served as a reminder of why everyone had gathered in Nashville.

The event opened with a moving performance of the National Anthem by Captain Jackson Perkins, whose rendition drew a standing ovation from the crowd. Moments later, Marine Corps veteran Rocky Sickmann delivered the ceremonial first pitch. Sickmann's story is one of extraordinary resilience. During the Iranian Hostage Crisis, he was held captive for 444 days as a prisoner of war. Seeing him take the mound was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many service members and their families.

Throughout the evening, Folds of Honor highlighted stories of military families and first responders whose lives have been impacted by scholarship support. Those stories helped connect the excitement of the game to the organization's mission and reinforced why events like Rock ’N Jock continue to resonate with fans year after year. One of the biggest moments of the night came not during gameplay but through acts of generosity. Country star Riley Green and Black Rifle Coffee Company co-founder Mat Best each announced donations of $50,000, combining for a remarkable $100,000 contribution to Folds of Honor. Additional support came from Kaulig Racing, which donated $50,000 to the cause. Those contributions helped push fundraising totals to record levels and demonstrated the commitment many participants have to supporting military and first responder families beyond simply appearing at the event.

Another highlight came through a partnership with Jockey International, Inc., which provided complimentary ticket access for 200 military and first responder families. Their presence added an extra layer of meaning to the evening, ensuring many of the families directly served by Folds of Honor could experience the event firsthand. As someone attending the event, it was impossible not to notice the unique atmosphere inside First Horizon Park. Unlike many celebrity charity events, Rock ’N Jock successfully balances entertainment and purpose. One moment fans were laughing at friendly trash talk between athletes and country artists, and the next, they were hearing heartfelt stories that underscored the importance of the organization's work. The combination created an experience that felt bigger than a softball game. It became a celebration of service, sacrifice, and community.

Folds of Honor has spent years building a reputation as one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations supporting military and first responder families. Through educational scholarships, the organization helps provide opportunities for spouses and children whose lives have been forever changed by loss or disability. Events like Rock ’N Jock not only raise critical funds but also increase awareness among audiences who may not otherwise be familiar with the organization's mission. The continued growth of the Nashville event reflects both the popularity of CMA Fest week and the strong support Folds of Honor has cultivated throughout Tennessee and beyond. Each year, the celebrity roster seems to grow, attendance continues to climb, and fundraising totals reach new heights.

With more than $700,000 raised in a single evening and over 9,000 fans filling the ballpark, the 2026 edition of Rock ’N Jock set a new benchmark for what the event can accomplish. As the lights dimmed over First Horizon Park and fans made their way into downtown Nashville to begin a busy week of CMA Fest activities, the lasting takeaway wasn't who hit the longest home run or who made the biggest play in the field. It was the impact those efforts would have on military and first responder families across the country. For one night, music, sports, and service came together in Nashville, and because of it, hundreds of families will have new educational opportunities for years to come. That's a victory far bigger than the final score.

Watch the full event via FOX Nation’s livestream HERE.

Photo Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

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