Board of Directors
Meet the team leading the Garner Legacy Foundation’s mission to inspire the next generation.
Nathaniel “Nate” Garner
NFL Career
Garner was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft and was immediately claimed by the Miami Dolphins, where he spent seven seasons (2008–2014). Over the course of his professional career, Garner appeared in 74 games with 19 starts, wearing jersey #75 and demonstrating remarkable versatility by playing all five offensive line positions.
College Career
A three-year letterman at the University of Arkansas, Garner was part of an SEC West Championship team and competed in the Capital One Bowl. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2007.
Coaching Career
After retiring from the NFL, Garner pursued his calling to coach and mentor young athletes. His coaching journey has included stops as a volunteer with the New Orleans Saints, positions at the University of Arkansas, junior college and high school programs, and a tenure as Offensive Line Coach at Limestone University (2022–2024). On January 15, 2025, Garner was appointed Head Football Coach at North Greenville University, where he led the Crusaders to an undefeated 6–0 Conference Carolinas record, a Conference Carolinas Bowl championship, an NCAA Division II playoff berth, and was named Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year.
Family
Nate is married to Tiffany Garner, who serves as Director of Executive Education and Non-JD Programs and Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Together they are raising three sons — Colton, Hunter, and Wyatt.
Faith & Foundation Vision
The son of a pastor and a lifelong church member, Garner’s faith is central to everything he does. He founded the Garner Legacy Foundation to create lasting impact beyond the field — investing in the next generation through youth camps, athletic grants, leadership development, and community engagement. The Foundation exists to ensure that every young athlete, regardless of background or resources, has the opportunity to develop the skills, character, and confidence needed to succeed in sport and in life.
Governance
The Garner Legacy Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors. A majority of voting members are unrelated to the Founder by blood, marriage, or employment. The Foundation maintains a Conflict of Interest Policy and all board members complete annual disclosure forms. Our governance structure ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with our charitable mission.
Our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently pending with the IRS. For more information about our governance and public filings, please visit our Transparency page.
