At one time he was the star running back for the Penn State Nittany Lions. But after a medical issue abruptly ended his football career, Journey Brown has a new career – and NASCAR is giving him props for it.
Prior to today’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, Brown was given the honor of giving the start engines command. But if Brown has his way, he’s going to be making frequent appearances at NASCAR races.
Brown has begun working with Trackhouse Racing and is training to be on their pit crew. This weekend marks Brown’s first in the garages working with the team.
Trackhouse Racing noted earlier this week that Brown is also working with AdventHealth to promote the importance of EKG Testing for young athletes.
Journey Brown, a former Penn State running back, gave command to start engines tonight. he was diagnosed with a heart condition during COVID that ended his football career. He is training with Trackhouse to be on their pit crew. This is the first race weekend he is attending.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 7, 2023
Meadville grad Journey Brown giving the command for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race tonight. pic.twitter.com/XtTDgBdCmQ
— THS Athletics (@THS_Athletics1) May 7, 2023
As a running back, Journey Brown was a high school legend in Pennsylvania. He once broke the Pennsylvania state rushing records with 722 yards and 10 touchdowns in a single game.
Brown committed to Penn State, and after playing sparingly over his first two years, had a breakout campaign in 2019. That year he rushed for 890 yards and 12 touchdowns as the Nittany Lions went 11-2 and beat Memphis in the Cotton Bowl.
Sadly, Brown’s career ended abruptly in 2020 when it was revealed that a heart issue would keep him from playing football again.
Now Brown is heading into a new career as a NASCAR pit crew member. We wish him well with it.