JUST IN: 3 Prominent Mountaineers Contribute massively for Hurricane Helene Relief, with big announcements made
Former Appalachian State players and current Buffalo Bills Sam Martin, Darrynton Evans, and Jalen Virgil have personally experienced the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, and they are encouraging fans to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, Samaritans Purse, App State Disaster Relief, Beloved Asheville, and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina.
“Mainly just to spread awareness and let people know what’s really going on,” Evans told the crowd. “You drive through a lot of the little towns just to get up the mountain, and it’s a lot of places there that people are clearly fighting for their lives right now.”
Former Mountaineers Sam Martin, Darrynton Evans, and Jalen Virgil are rallying to support relief efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, causing severe flooding and damaging the Appalachian State University campus. These three Buffalo Bills, who each have a strong connection to App State from their college football days, are using their platform to raise awareness.
“Seeing videos and photos of what’s going on there is very hard to see,” Evans shared. “We want to spread awareness and help with our resources as much as we can.”
The trio will wear “Mountain Strong” hoodies in solidarity during Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, showing support for the App State community. Sam Martin reflected on how App State helped him grow as a person. “It became a new home for me, and I have so many memories of Boone and the high country.”
Their efforts highlight the deep bond they share with the region and their commitment to helping those affected by the storm.
Former App State teammates Darrynton Evans and Jalen Virgil joined Sam Martin in reflecting on their deep connection to Boone, NC, and the Western North Carolina region as they step up to aid in Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Having played together from 2016-2019, both Evans and Virgil share powerful memories of their time at Appalachian State.
“The whole Western North Carolina region, it was everything,” Evans said, recalling the stark contrast between his Florida upbringing and the mountainous beauty of Boone. “That was my first time experiencing fall… just seeing what they described as God’s country really be God’s country.”
Virgil echoed these sentiments, describing how much his time at App State meant to him. “That’s where I was able to get my education, meet lifelong friends, and have a successful football career… seeing our town underwater is hard to see.”
Martin, reflecting on his time in Boone from 2008-2013, emphasized their goal: “Building back the beauty and assisting the great people in that area is what we’re trying to accomplish here.”
Buffalo Bills fans can contribute to the relief efforts by donating to charities providing aid to the region.