Nate Garner: From NFL player to NGU’s head coach
Treasure Hardwick, Staff Writer
From high school football to the NFL, Nate Garner, North Greenville University’s new head football coach, isn’t just building a winning team, he’s bringing a playbook with experience from every level.
When he’s not recruiting players or coaching football, he’s standing courtside at his son’s basketball game with the same passion and dedication.
Garner grew up in the small town of Rolland, Arkansas, and began playing football in eighth grade, falling in love with the sport right away. Even though he only had one play throughout his high school career, this did not stop him from being recruited by the University of Arkansas to play right tackle.
As a college athlete, Garner had a lot on his plate. With a major in computer engineering that required 20 to 30 hours of study a week, as well as daily practices mixed with a social life, he had to learn to balance his intense schedule. He later changed his major to sociology to ease the workload.
After college, Garner was drafted by the New York Jets, but his time was short-lived, as he was cut after training camp. However, his career did not end there. The Miami Dolphins claimed him off waivers. He went on to play seven seasons with the Dolphins, and he played all five offensive line positions.
He described his time with the Jets as formative. He explained that it instilled in him mindsets and habits that will carry over for the rest of his life.
After seven seasons with the Dolphins, Garner sustained a serious head injury. He spent three years recovering before he transitioned into coaching with his friend at Royal Palm Beach High School. He coached offensive line and helped mentor the players.
He also spent time with the New Orlean Saints, coaching offensive line and working front of office. Additionally, he volunteered for a short time at the University of Arkansas where he worked with the football program.
After a few years of uncertainty in his career, he coached at Junior College in South Florida when the offensive line coach left mid-season. He then moved to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he coached offensive line and developed eight power five offensive linemen.
He spent the last three seasons coaching at Limestone University before moving on to his current role as the head coach at NGU.
He has only been at NGU for a short time, but he has already made great strides in getting to know the team. He will evaluate the team during spring ball, but for now, he is working on building a relationship with each player. He has already had one-on-one conversations where he allowed the player to ask any question they would like, even if it required honesty and vulnerability from Garner.
He is also in the process of recruiting for incoming players. This requires that he meet with the potential college athletes, show them around and answer any questions they may have.
One of his main goals is to improve the program for the players, both on and off the field. He hopes to better the facilities and create a program that prioritizes athletes’ well-being. He explained that from experience, he knows that the college athlete life is far from easy, so he will work hard to make sure his players know what football is about.
“I want them to play hard for me. I want them to be at their best, have their best put out on the field and to be able to perform to the best of their ability,” Garner said. “But the biggest thing is, I want the guys to know that football is supposed to be fun.”
Just as Garner is working to build relationships with the football players, he also wants to make connections with NGU staff, faculty and students.
Garner said, “Anyone who is walking by, I want them to feel free to say hi to me and introduce themselves to me, and anyone can come up to me and start a conversation. Generally, if I have time, I love talking to people.”
Along with coaching and building connections at NGU, Garner also works hard to show up for his family. He explained that even though he works late nights and early mornings, his family has supported him in his new position as head coach. He shows up for his son’s basketball games and aims to spend quality time with them.
Garner’s coaching style and welcoming personality is exciting the football players and inciting a spirit of expectation.
Nick Maxey, sophomore health science major at NGU who plays linebacker on the football team, is looking forward to the fresh start and opportunities that will arise with Garner as the new coach.
Maxey described Garner as a solid and approachable guy who cares about each of his players. He explained that Garner works hard to get to know the team on a deeper level. Not only does he care about their athletics, he also is curious about their hobbies, interests and families.
Maxey explained that when the team met Garner, Garner answered questions and did icebreakers. He also was vulnerable and allowed the team to get to know him as well.
“He really allowed us to figure him out and his personal life and his walk with Christ. He shared his testimony with us, as well as his journey through the NFL,” Maxey said.
Maxey explained that Garner isn’t just concerned with how the team plays. He wants to train them to play football well, but he also wants to show them how to be strong men who follow Christ.
