Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s “Evolved Man of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved man, including famous and non-famous individuals. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the former NFL player and farmer Jason Brown.
Brown’s hometown was Henderson, North Carolina, where he attended Northern Vance High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. He used to be in the marching band, but the football coach recruited him for the football team. Brown was exceptional in both football and track and field. He has won four state championships.
His flawless attendance record marked Brown’s career at North Carolina, never once skipping a game. He received the prestigious title of First-team All-ACC in 2004. Brown’s first experience as a right tackle came during his freshman year when he played against Florida State. Initially playing as a tackle, Brown moved to a guard position at The University of North Carolina. The coaching staff moved Brown to the center position and remained in that role for the rest of his time in college.
Brown and Chris Spencer were considered top centers in the 2005 NFL draft. His initial projection was in the mid-third round. Still, the Baltimore Ravens ultimately selected him in the fourth round (124th overall).
Brown became the starting guard in the 2007 season after being a backup to Mike Flynn for two years. He played as a center in all 16 games in the 2008 season. After the season ended, many people recognized him as the best interior offensive lineman available in free agency.
Brown visited the Rams during the first day of free agency on February 27, 2009. The following day, he accepted a five-year contract valued at $37.5 million, with $20 million guaranteed. Brown would become the highest-paid center in the NFL if the deal continues. Unfortunately, the league didn’t approve the contract on March 10, and now they are trying to resolve the situation. March 12 marked the official approval of the deal by the NFL. On March 12, 2012, the Rams parted ways with Brown.
In 2012, Jason abandoned his football career and gained a farm alongside his wife. Jason taught himself how to operate the farm by watching YouTube videos, and the rest is history. Until now, First Fruits Farm has been giving away all of its produce to needy families.
Brown focuses his efforts on helping the less fortunate. His farm produces sweet potatoes and other vegetables, which he donates to food pantries. As per the New & Observer, he distributed 46,000 pounds of sweet potatoes and 10,000 pounds of cucumbers during autumn. Jason Brown shares his own thoughts on farming and faith.
“Every seed we plant is almost like a little prayer,”… “When we put it in the ground, it’s a way of saying, ‘I believe. I believe you will grow.’ Farming gives us a front-row seat for what it looks like to walk in faith every day and what the harvest of that faith can be.”
Today, we honor Jason Brown as our Evolved Man of the Week.
Evolving Folks Project 