Former Penn State football player finds new career in NASCAR. Here’s his story
Former Penn State running back Journey Brown’s once-budding football career was cut short by a heart condition, but he may have found a new career in NASCAR.
Brown recently joined Trackhouse Racing with hopes of becoming an active-rostered pit crew member. And he will serve as he honorary Grand Marshall for the Craftsman Trucks Series Heart of America 200 on Saturday night at Kansas Speedway.
Brown started 10 games and rushed for 890 yards and 12 touchdowns for Penn State in 2019 and was MVP of the Cotton Bowl after rushing for a bowl school-record 202 yards.
But his football career ended during a routine COVID-19 test when doctors discovered the heart condition: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Brown, 24, will be on hand as Ross Chastain drives the No. 41 Worldwide Express Racing Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports on Saturday. Chastain won the trucks race at Kansas in 2019.
Chastain, who is also the NASCAR Cup points leader, and Brown are scheduled to visit Shawanoe Elementary School in Shawnee on Friday and speak with students about the importance of heart health and fitness.
Both will also participate in a track walk at Kansas Speedway on Friday at 6 p.m.