The world of motor racing has seen numerous crossovers from different sports, with the most common being between NASCAR and IndyCar. However, the leap from the National Football League (NFL) to NASCAR is a less frequented path. Despite this, NASCAR has seen its fair share of former football players joining its ranks. Notable examples include Rowdy Harrell, a former linebacker for the University of Alabama, who now serves as a tire carrier for Alex Bowman, and Mike Metcalf, a running back from Appalachian State, who is currently a fueler on Kyle Larson’s Chip Ganassi Racing team.
The discussion around these unusual crossovers took a new turn recently when 2012 Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski spoke on the matter. Keselowski’s comments came in response to a fan’s observation about the relatively unknown ‘college athlete to NASCAR crew pipeline.’ In a recent social media post, Keselowski admitted that NASCAR offers better job security, higher pay, and a safer career option for college football players than the NFL or the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Further elaborating on his point, Keselowski highlighted that while the exact salaries of NASCAR crew members are not public knowledge, it is reported that tire changers can earn approximately $1500 per race, with jackmen and fuelmen earning about $3000 each. With 36 races per season, this amounts to over $100,000 annually for tire changers. In addition to the attractive financial package, Keselowski pointed out that the risk of injury is significantly lower for NASCAR pit crew members than for footballers.
In modern NASCAR, pit crew members are required to be as fit as the drivers, if not more. A delay of even a few seconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The work of a tire changer, for instance, requires the same explosive strength as a linebacker needs to tackle opponents during a football match.
The story of Landon Walker serves as a prime example of Keselowski’s point. Walker, now a fueler for William Byron, was once a promising footballer for the Cincinnati Bengals. However, an injury prematurely ended his football career. With his football background, Walker made a successful transition to NASCAR.
Top NASCAR teams such as Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), and Penske actively recruit football athletes for their pit crews. This is because, as JGR president Dave Alpern puts it, “you can gain multiple spots on pit road,” which can potentially win or lose a race.
HMS takes this recruitment process very seriously, holding an annual pit crew combine where they identify athletes capable of working on the track, refueling cars, and changing tires in less than ten seconds. Keith Flynn, Hendrick’s developmental pit crew director, emphasizes that most football players are unaware of these opportunities. However, once they realize the potential, they are usually excited to transition to NASCAR.
As Keselowski’s comments continue to stir debate, it is clear that the crossover between the NFL and NASCAR is more fruitful than many might think. Will we see more athletes making the switch? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this intriguing crossover.
