By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pair of NFL players to sport cleats for Gainesville-based cancer group
Thumbs Up Mission inspired by Flowery Branch player Keaton Coker, who died in 2014
12032017 CLEATS THUMBS UP
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky holds a pair of cleats bearing the Thumbs Up Mission logo he plans to wear in today’s game against San Francisco. The organization honors Keaton Coker, the brother of Trubisky’s former University of North Carolina teammate, Kanler Coker. - photo by For The Times
In family photos through the years, Keaton Coker can be seen giving a thumbs up to the camera. To his father, Miles Coker, the gesture is “positive and uplifting.”
Register to read. It's free.

Read this story and many others for free. 

For access to subscriber-exclusive stories, visit gainesvilletimes.com/subscribe.

Community Events
High school baseball: Cherokee Bluff bats emerge from early hibernation to blast West Hall
Bluff10.jpg
Cherokee Bluff's Gabe Gowder pitches against West Hall on April 8, 2025 in Flowery Branch. Photo by Bill Murphy
Bryce Fontenot and Ethan England each hit two home runs and Bubba Coleman also goes deep, while Gabe Gowder ties a school record with his eighth win of the season as the Bears win opener of a critical Region 8-3A series.
Read this subscriber-exclusive story

Keep reading this and other subscriber-exclusive stories! Click the button below to choose your plan.

If you believe you have reached this message in error, ensure you have logged in and then contact our customer care team

Subscribe now