Morgan Freeman is one of the most iconic figures in the history of Hollywood. He is renowned for his amazing acting skills and his distinct voice, which is often termed the voice of God. With a career spanning more than 7 decades, Freeman has done some iconic movies, that have earned him a lot of success, with his achievements including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and many more. But his presence and iconic voice isn’t confined to the screenplays of Hollywood, it was going to echo at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway as NASCAR headed to the Sin City this weekend.

Fans were thrilled when it was announced that Freeman would be the grand marshal for the Pennzoil 400 race in Las Vegas. While the fans didn’t get the reception or the energy they expected from the veteran actor, the glove on his left hand also became a talking point during the pre-race festivities.

The glove wasn’t a fashion accessory, it was a story of resilience. It was a story of how despite multiple setbacks, Freeman has continued to push the boundaries of what was thought possible.

Morgan Freeman and His Health Challenges

Morgan Freeman has been dealing with severe health issues that started from his car crash back in 2008. During this accident, Freeman suffered multiple serious injuries, that led to significant nerve damage in his left arm and has been causing him mobility issues and chronic pain. After the accident, his hand was reported as being paralyzed.

Freeman has been suffering from a disease known as fibromyalgia, which causes severe pain and mobility issues. “I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it… It’s the fibromyalgia… Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating,” Freeman told in an interview when asked about his medical condition.

To combat this pain and the condition, Freeman wears a compression glove on his affected hand, which helps him maintain the blood flow in his arm and also helps to reduce the swelling, which happens when the hand remains in one position for a long time. Compression gloves have also been reported to help with the intense pain of fibromyalgia.

This compression glove has now become a common factor in Freeman’s public appearances, as he was seen wearing one in the Oscars event and more recently during his pre-race event at Las Vegas Speedway before the NASCAR Cup Series event when meeting with 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace. Freeman’s compression glove has become a symbol of perseverance, a reminder of the battles he faces daily. It’s a representation of mental strength and survival against adversity. At 87, the veteran driver is still going strong.

Grand Marshal: A NASCAR Tradition

Morgan Freeman’s role as Grand Marshall at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 wasn’t just a ceremonial position, it was also the opportunity for the fans to see and connect with the Hollywood legend. The Grand Marshal traditionally gives the command to the drivers to start their engines, “Drivers, start your engines.” The legendary command that has become iconic in the racing world and outside of it as well.

Freeman joins a long list of legends to have served as the Grand Marshall at NASCAR races. Hollywood celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Dwayne Johnson have served as the Grand Marshal of NASCAR races. Several presidents have also served this role, including the current president, Donald Trump, and former president George W Bush, who have famously been the Grand Marshals. Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. tried his hand at being the Grand Marshal back in 2018 at the Daytona 500.

 Grand Marshal maybe just a ceremonial role, but it’s tradition, and for NASCAR a sport famous for its heritage, traditions are important.