COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BYU And Utah Football Teams Come Together To Help Those In Need

Dec 13, 2021, 2:47 AM | Updated: 9:15 am
BYU - Utah Football - Foster Care...
Players and coaches of the BYU & Utah Football programs came together for a "Sunday Supper" for Utah Foster Care. (Photo courtesy of @NickFord55/Twitter)
(Photo courtesy of @NickFord55/Twitter)

DRAPER, Utah – The BYU/Utah football game is one of the most heated rivalries in the nation. But when the intense rivalry isn’t played the other 364 days out of the year, the two programs have a lot of common ground.

The in-state rivals showed that common ground on Sunday, December 12 at Cultivate Craft Kitchen as they helped those in need during this holiday season.

Started by Utah offensive lineman Nick Ford, “Sunday Supper” was formed to provide a Sunday dinner for families of the Utah Foster Care. Along with the Athletes Strong Foundation, Ford began serving dinners earlier this fall.

Cooking has always been part of Nick Ford’s life

“We wanted to start that here; there wasn’t anything here,” said Ford. “Figured it would be cool. I love cooking and there is a lot of people in need and I love giving back to the community, so I just took the opportunity to go out and cook and give some good people some good food. I feel like football is a platform to get in this position because when you play football, nothing is nice about it at all. So when I come over here, it gives me time to relax and give back.”

BYU defensive lineman Lorenzo Fauatea teamed up with Ford and both players had some of their teammates lend a helping hand.

“The BYU versus Utah game –pregame– I ran over to [Nick Ford]’s sideline and everybody was looking at me like, ‘what the heck is this guy doing on our side,'” said Fauatea. “I ran straight to Nick and was like, ‘Hey bro; I’m a big fan of what you do outside the field. I would love to be a part of it.’ So lo and behold, I’m here working with his foundation for the Utah Foster Care.”

The Utah Foster Care holds a close spot to Fauatea’s heart as his family has foster kids. According to data from Utah Foster Care, more than 2,600 children are in foster care at any given time because their own families are in crisis.

“Kids like these, who don’t have homes, you know, and what these families are [able to do] and bring them into their own home, I think it’s very special,” Fauatea said.

Kalani Sitake & Kyle Whittingham showed their support

The Sunday Supper fed more than 500 kids and their families. The night also included visits by the two head coaches of the rival programs in Kalani Sitake and Kyle Whittingham.

“You look at what Nick’s done, just spending so much of his time to help others. And then not only that but to allow our players to be involved with it –allowing Lorenzo to be part of it–, what a great human being,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake.

Rivalries can be intense both at games and sometimes on social media, but rivalries can bring people together, as witnessed with the Sunday Supper.

“Everyone loves to go to the games and cheer and rally around their respective team. But this is so important to people in their everyday lives –especially the kids– and that’s what it’s all about,” said Kyle Whittingham. “Being able to give back and do anything we can to help out is a far more important and a greater cause than what you see on the football field.”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

  • Utah Utes Scoreboard

  • Utah Utes Team Leaders

  • Utah Utes Standings

  • BYU Cougars Scoreboard

  • BYU Cougars Team Leaders

  • BYU Cougars Standings

College Football

BYU Football, Alumni Game...
Mitch Harper

BYU Football Alumni Game Comes Down To Final Play Again

BYU football Alumni Game finished with heroics again.
21 hours ago
BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake at spring practice 2023...
Matt Baiamonte

Defense Shines In BYU Football’s Spring Game

It’s only spring football, however, I do believe this defensive line will be much improved come the fall.
21 hours ago
BYU Football, Kedon Slovis, Spring Game...
Mitch Harper

Live Analysis From BYU Football’s Spring Scrimmage

Analysis and insight from inside LaVell Edwards Stadium for BYU's spring scrimmage.
21 hours ago
Ty Detmer, BYU Football, Alumni Game...
Mitch Harper

Ty Detmer, John Beck Highlight BYU Football Alumni Game Rosters

After the spring game concludes, BYU alums will take the field for an Alumni Game.
2 days ago
BYU Football - Big 12 Conference...
Mitch Harper

BYU Kicks Off Spring Game Schedule For Big 12 Teams In 2023

BYU will be the first Big 12 team in 2023 to have a televised spring event. Here's the schedule for the rest of the league.
2 days ago
BYU Football, Cade Fennegan, Spring Practice...
Mitch Harper

Three Things I’m Watching For During BYU’s Spring Game

BYU football opens up LaVell Edwards Stadium to fans. Here's what Mitch Harper is watching for.
2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

High angle view of the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium...
KSL Digital Sales

How to Prepare for the 2023 Rose Bowl

Everything you need to know to plan your 2023 Rose Bowl trip in Pasadena, California. This year, the Utes will face Penn State.
Jordan-Clarkson-Utah-Jazz...
KSL Digital Sales

Notable Moments From The Utah Jazz Season… So Far

At the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz were second to last. Now they rank in the top 10 teams in the Western Conference.
Football soccer ball on grass field on stadium...
KSL Digital Sales

Everything You Need to Know to Watch the 2022 World Cup

Find out where and when to watch the upcoming games and final match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including where to find live updates.
ksl sports logos...
KSL Sports

KSL Sports Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. Get the latest Utah sports news delivered to your inbox.
jimmy-buffett-tour-art...
KSL Sports

Win Tickets Wednesday: Jimmy Buffett

Get your Hawaiian shirts ready.
Iron Maiden tour...
KSL Sports

Win Tickets Wednesday: Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden returns to Utah in 2022 with The Legacy of the Beast tour.
BYU And Utah Football Teams Come Together To Help Those In Need