NASCAR was never a career option for former Penn State football star Journey Brown. He never envisioned a career without football and it never crossed his mind to have a career in Stock Car Racing’s top promotion. Unfortunately, the life and career running back took a dramatic turn after he was diagnosed with a career-altering medical condition.

Much like everyone, the pandemic hit the 24-year-old hard when his coach broke the heart-wrenching news to the youngster after his medical screening in 2020. Holding back tears, knowing this would be the end of all, he made a choice to join Trackhouse Racing‘s pit crew. Though he blew off the opportunity at first, on second thoughts, it all made sense as he decided to pay a visit to Charlotte to look at the team’s operations.

Trackhouse Racing sheds new light on former RB footballer, prompting him to give NASCAR a go

Journey Brown, a 24-year-old running back, only had football in his head. Something he never thought would leave him. But fate had other plans for the youngster who was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare medical condition that would thicken and stiffen the heart walls.

This sudden development was like a bomb for Brown, who was looking to make a big career in football. The doctors deemed him not fit enough to build a career in the highly physical sport. The dejected and disheartened footballer had to find other career options and NASCAR was the last thing on his mind.

Brown had run for 202 yards and two touchdowns, leading Penn State to a 2019 Cotton Bowl victory over Memphis. He had every reason to think that he would make it big in the NFL, but fate denied him that. With the family and the doctors convincing Brown to let go of his passion, it was time for something else.

And that is where Trackhouse Racing’s Shaun Peet, pit coach, came in. He was told about a couple of athletes from Northwest who would fit the role. Hearing his story, Peet gave Brown a call and encouraged him to visit the race shop in North Carolina.

Though he had no knowledge of NASCAR other than a neighbor who carried a Dale Earnhardt Jr. flag, he was surprised about the level of professionalism at the team’s race shop. Brown eventually made Trackhouse Racing his second family. He moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina in April to pursue this opportunity.

The Sunday’s race had the former Penn State footballer donning the fire suit as AJ Allmendinger’s tire changers. NBC’s Dustin Long uncovered the inspiring tale of the youngster as he tweeted it to the whole world.

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From gridiron to the garage: Journey Brown’s inspiring story

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“The only NASCAR I knew was ‘Talladega Nights,” said Brown to Fox, while also mentioning his Dale Jr. fanatic neighbor. However, that’s in the past. The former collegiate footballer certainly knows more than that now, being a proud crew member for Trackhouse Racing.

NASCAR nation got to hear the youngster’s inspiring tale when the team released a short video with Brown himself detailing his journey from the football field to the tracks of NASCAR, titled “From Gridiron to the Garage.”

And fans were in tears seeing the 24-year-old journey to NASCAR. They came together, expressing their support as they appreciated Brown’s positive spirit.

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“This brings tears of emotion. He really was in peak shape & the Cotton Bowl showed he was in beast mode ready for the next level. Life has a way of changing our paths. Not easy to navigate but he has done it amazingly well. I’ll be cheering for him,” was one fan’s comment to the tweet.

While Kansas Speedway’s official X handle also commented in support, “This is amazing.” 

Others wished him the very best.

“Do your thing. Now y you in can help Trackhouse Racing. Great story”

“Bless this young man. Wishing him the brightest prosperous future and good health.”

“Great story. Thanks. All our best to your and yours. Do your best…at what you do.”