Former Texas long snapper and Green Beret Nate Boyer honored

Former Texas long snapper Nate Boyer's dream of playing in the NFL didn't pan out with the Seattle Seahawks, but his inspirational story as a Green Beret lives on.

Prior to Texas' Big 12 game Saturday against Oklahoma State, the Texas Lottery recognized Boyer as the honorary veteran of the game. He took the field with some of his former teammates at midfield for the coin toss.

Boyer served 10 years in the Green Berets Special Forces Unit and the Texas National Guard. He retired from the service last February. He hoped to get selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, but when he didn't, the Seattle Seahawks signed him as a free agent, but ultimately cut him.

Boyer took advantage of the GI Bill to study at Texas, where he also walked on to the football team in 2010. Boyer taught himself how to long snap after seeing only limited action on special teams. From 2012 to 2014, Boyer played in 38 games as the snapper on extra points, field goals and punts.

"I love transitions and challenges," Boyer told Texas Sports. "I can embrace change."

(h/t Texas Sports)