James Van Der Beek, aka the guy who *still* doesn’t want your life from Varsity Blues, is turning his iconic ’90s football persona into a fundraising quarterback. Why? Because stage 3 colorectal cancer doesn’t just tackle you emotionally—it also sacks your wallet.
The 47-year-old Dawson’s Creek alum (and permanent resident of our nostalgic hearts) recently got real on Instagram about his 2023 cancer diagnosis and the very un-chill costs of treatment. His solution? A merch drop worthy of a Friday Night Lights cameo.
James has released autographed replicas of his character Jonathan “Mox” Moxon’s #4 jersey from the 1999 cult classic Varsity Blues. And no, these aren’t your average dusty attic finds. These babies are limited edition and come with the authenticity of James’s actual Sharpie skills.
“Merch drop!” he hyped on Instagram, likely in the same voice he uses to tell his kids it’s time for ice cream. “Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of #VarsityBlues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey—each one personally autographed by me.”
And because James knows how to tug on your heartstrings (as well as your wallet), he added: “100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own 😇).” That’s right, guys: buying a jersey is basically a charitable act and a nostalgic flex all rolled into one.
To really sell the vibe, James included photos and videos of himself rocking the jersey, reminding us all that he still looks like the high school QB who somehow managed to avoid aging. And because he’s a marketing genius, he dropped the perfect holiday pitch: “Order now & get a signed one in time for Christmas,” accompanied by the hashtag that says it all: #CancerIsExpensive.
So, whether you’re looking for a unique holiday gift, a way to help a beloved ’90s icon tackle cancer, or just want to feel like you’re on the Varsity Blues sidelines, grab your jersey. As Mox would say, “It’s your life now!” 🏈🎄
