Lineman Jason Brown, Farmer

 Continuing to honor African Americans for Black History Month...

Jason W. Brown (born May 5, 1983) is an American former professional football center. He played college football at North Carolina and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Brown started his career at North Carolina as a tackle, then guard. Brown first saw action in his freshman year at right tackle against Florida State. He was later moved to center, where he played the remaining three years of his college career. Brown did not miss a game during his career, and was named First-team All-ACC in 2004.

Baltimore Ravens

Brown started all 16 games at guard in the 2007 season after spending 2005 and 2006 as a backup to Ravens starter Mike Flynn. He later started all 16 games in the 2008 season as a center. He was considered the best interior offensive lineman going into free agency after the end of season.

St. Louis Rams

Brown visited the Rams in the first day of free agency February 27, 2009. The next day, he agreed to a five-year deal worth $37.5 million, including a $20 million in guaranteed money. The deal would make Brown the highest paid center in the NFL. However, on March 10, it was reported that the contract had been disapproved by the league and the two sides were working to correct the issue. The deal was finally approved by the NFL on March 12.

On March 12, 2012, Brown was released by the Rams.

After football

Brown chose to walk away from football in 2012 at the age of 29 to become a farmer in Louisburg, North Carolina. He maintains a 1,000-acre farm called First Fruits Farm where he grows produce such as sweet potatoes and cucumbers. He donates these crops to local food pantries, having given away over 500,000 pounds of sweet potatoes and 50,000 pounds of cucumbers. Brown began learning about farming practices in 2012 by watching YouTube videos.

Brown also owns and manages a special events venue called Amazing Graze Barn, which is located on the grounds of First Fruits Farm. The barn is available for hosting weddings as well as corporate events and community gatherings.

Source: Wikipedia

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The rest of the story:

LOUISURG, N.C. (WTVD) -- A former Tar Heel and star NFL lineman spoke with Tamron Hall about how his decision to stop playing football was inspired by God and his late brother's sacrifice.

"People tell me that I'm crazy, they downright tell me that I'm stupid--OK?--to walk away from millions of dollars. Because if you have the opportunity to play in the NFL, it's supposed to be a no-brainer," Brown said on the Tamron Hall Show.

After the St. Louis Rams cut him from the team in 2012, Brown took a long, hard look in the mirror. Instead of fighting for a position on another team, Brown decided to walk away from it all.

"A big inspiration from my story comes from my older brother. He was slain in service, serving our country over in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Brown said he was living the life of entertainment and materialism but wanted to make a leap toward service to honor his brother.

He says he asked Jesus what he could do with all of the blessings he had been given. The answer he heard; I want you to feed my people.

Although Brown didn't know anything about farming, he began walking by faith.

Source: ABC 11 article by Danielle Skruggs, Thursday, February 11, 2021