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Ever wondered what the NFL and NASCAR might have in common? To start with, it’s not just about the thrill. Sure, these sports are worlds apart in terms of physical demands, but they share a few more similarities than one might think. In NASCAR, the influence of the NFL is more than just a passing breeze – it’s a shared passion that courses through the veins of many drivers.

Whether it’s the hard-hitting NFL or the speed-fueled NASCAR, professional athletes recognize the dedication and grit needed to shine in the big leagues. That’s probably why we can find a bunch of NASCAR drivers who are die-hard NFL enthusiasts. These speedsters often swap their racing suits for jerseys in the off-season, fervently supporting their favorite football stars and teams, and they’re certainly not shy about broadcasting their allegiances.

And here’s a fun tidbit: Martin Truex Jr, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch – all NASCAR bigwigs and JGR drivers (well, Kyle’s an ex-JGR now) – are on the same page when it comes to their NFL favorites. All the prominent JGR drivers rooting for the same player? Now that’s something you don’t hear every day!

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Ex-JGR trio of NASCAR share a common NFL crush

In the world of NASCAR, the crossover with the NFL isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a reality peppered with fascinating transitions. Take Dion Williams, for instance. He traded the football field, with its diverse mix of teammates, for the racetracks of North Carolina. There, he found himself among pit crew members whose travels barely stretched beyond state lines, except for those race days in the distant Southern cities. 

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Adding to this dynamic, Williams, as a Black man in a sport where the Confederate flag still occasionally made an appearance, brought his own unique flair. Decked out in Air Jordans and grooving to hip-hop, he was an athlete stepping into a world traditionally dominated by mechanics.

Then there’s Josh Bush. After his glorious moment lifting the Lombardi trophy back in 2015, Bush traded tackling the NFL’s finest wide receivers for wielding an air gun in NASCAR’s pits. Once a part of the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, he’s now a key player in Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 pit crew, serving Cup Series driver Daniel Suárez and their weapon of choice, the Next-Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

This crossover between NASCAR and NFL isn’t a one-way street. While it’s clear NFL players have a soft spot for NASCAR, the affection is mutual. Although many NASCAR drivers name-dropped stars like JJ Watt, Bryce Young, and Tom Brady, a trio of former JGR teammates – Martin Truex Jr, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch – all unwittingly picked the same NFL heartthrob: Patrick Mahomes.

 

But don’t let this unity fool you – when it comes to their favorite NFL teams, it’s every man for himself with this bunch!

Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, and Kyle Busch have diverse NFL team loyalties

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As per 247sports.com, Denny Hamlin, the 2016 Daytona 500 champ, is more than just fast on the track; he’s a die-hard Washington Redskins aficionado. Hamlin isn’t just any fan – he’s had the unique privilege of driving for the Redskins’ legendary coach and NASCAR car owner, Joe Gibbs, throughout his NASCAR journey. In 2016, Hamlin gushed about his Redskins love affair to Redskins Wire, showing that his heart races for more than just cars.

Then there’s Martin Truex Jr from Mayetta, New Jersey. For him, the sports gods have been particularly generous. Fresh off clinching his first Cup championship, this avid Philadelphia Eagles supporter witnessed his team snag their first-ever Super Bowl trophy in Minneapolis. The kicker? Months before the big game, Truex prophetically told NBC Sports that the Eagles would triumph over the Patriots. Eagles fans at the 500 might want to hit Truex up for some lottery predictions next!

Rounding out the trio is Kyle Busch, the 2015 Cup Series Champion, and a lifelong Denver Broncos enthusiast. He is often spotted at Broncos’ games too!

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So, what about you? Ever fantasized about which NASCAR star you’d love to see trading in their racing helmet for a football helmet in the NFL? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – let’s get the fantasy league started!

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