Montana State star Adam Jones joins Shodair Champion to boost children's care

Montana State football standout Adam Jones and Shodair Children’s Hospital Champion Child Luke Rivenbark are working together to spotlight the hospital’s care for children and families across Montana. Their connection through Shodair and Play Yellow is helping raise awareness for specialized pediatric, behavioral health and genetics services.

Why it matters: - Adam Jones and Luke Rivenbark are helping draw attention to Shodair Children’s Hospital’s role as Montana’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. - Their story is meant to encourage support for children and families who need pediatric, behavioral health and genetic care. - Shodair serves children from all 56 Montana counties, and many patients receive Medicaid assistance.

What happened: - Jones, a standout running back for Montana State football, connected with Luke Rivenbark, Shodair’s 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child. - Jones learned about Shodair through conversations with CEO Craig Aasved and Chief Development Officer Rusty Cash. - Jones met Luke and his mother, Jennifer Rivenbark, and the relationship grew into an ongoing friendship. - The two spent more time together during Play Yellow weekend, a fundraising effort tied to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. - Luke also joined Jones and Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson during a Play Yellow practice round.

The details: - Luke represents thousands of Montana children and families who rely on Shodair for specialized services. - Shodair describes Luke as its 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child and uses his story in fundraising campaigns, community events and speaking engagements. - Play Yellow is a nationwide fundraising movement inspired by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. - Jennifer Rivenbark said Jones and Lamson were kind and respectful toward Luke during the golf outing. - Jones said meeting Luke made Shodair’s mission feel more personal and easier to understand. - Jones said his experience as a football player shaped his view that mental health matters as much as physical health. - Lamson said he joined Play Yellow because Jones told him about it and because it was a cause worth supporting. - Shodair says donor support helps provide resources, care and opportunities that can change lives for families searching for answers and hope.

Between the lines: - The partnership shows how sports figures can turn a charity message into something more concrete and personal. - Luke’s role gives a public face to the hospital’s work, while Jones brings a wider audience through Montana State football. - The emphasis on mental health and family support reflects a broader effort to frame pediatric care as both medical and emotional care.

What's next: - Shodair is directing supporters to learn more about Luke’s story, Play Yellow and its work through Shodair’s website. - Continued fundraising and public appearances are likely to remain part of Luke’s ambassador role. - Play Yellow and similar campaigns are expected to keep channeling attention and donations toward Shodair’s statewide services.

The bottom line: - Jones and Rivenbark are using their platform and personal story to push a simple message: support for Shodair helps Montana children get care, answers and hope when they need it most.