James Van Der Beek Selling Autographed ‘Varsity Blues’ Merch To Cover Cancer Costs For Himself And Others
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek is selling autographed and limited edition Varsity Blues-themed merchandise to raise money for cancer expenses for both himself and other families.
“Merch drop! Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of #VarsityBlues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey—each one personally autographed by me,” Van Der Beek announced in an Instagram post that featured him clad in the true-blue jersey, posing with a football in a series of photos set to the Foo Fighters’ “My Hero.” “Grab yours now at the link in my bio or head over to JVDB.Shop.”
He continued, “100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own 😇).” Per Van Der Beek’s website, there are two jersey types available in varying sizes: a standard $40 replica and $80 version featuring an autograph.
In 1999’s Varsity Blues, a bench-warming quarterback (Mox, played by Van Der Beek) is chosen to lead a Texan high school football team to victory after the star quarterback (the late Paul Walker) is injured. Mox must contend with mounting pressure while dealing with his juxtaposing aspirations and the West Canaan Coyotes’ controlling coach Bud Kilmer (Jon Voight).
Van Der Beek recently took to Instagram on Thanksgiving to acknowledge the “tough year” he’s had with his diagnosis of colorectal cancer, adding that he is “thankful for all of it.”
“For the giant life re-direct cancer has placed in my path. For the gift of knowing what it feels like to have friends come through on such a profound level, and in ways I never would have been able to ask for had I not been going through it,” he said at the time.
Last month, the Sidelined: The QB and Me actor revealed his diagnosis, adding that there is “reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.” Later this month, Van Der Beek is set to appear on The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special also featuring Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and veteran Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli as they strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.
