‘Absolutely Heartbreaking’: Penn State Fans React To Journey Brown’s Retirement

Matt Sniegowski | Onward State

Penn State football head coach James Franklin sent shockwaves through the college football community Wednesday night when he revealed star running back Journey Brown must take a permanent step back from football.

Brown, who was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare heart condition, in September, hadn’t touched the field at all this season. Now, he may never again.

I didn’t even expect to make it this far but it’s about Journey, not the destination. #HLM #SIAM pic.twitter.com/nbQrIsjXzY
— Journey Brown (@JourneyBrown6) November 11, 2020

Over the past month, though, Brown remained an integral leader for Penn State’s locker room, guiding third-string running back Devyn Ford and freshmen Caziah Holmes and Keyvone Lee through a tumultuous season.

Penn State fans quickly took to Twitter to share their thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes for the fan-favorite student-athlete.

https://twitter.com/brandon_galo/status/1326674555323215873

I love you @JourneyBrown6 you taught me so much on how to handle adversity. I will always be by your side till the good Lord take me off this earth. https://t.co/48AK1968YQ pic.twitter.com/NJ596UGe4h
— Ja’Juan Seider (@coachseider) November 12, 2020

https://twitter.com/JDiehl21/status/1326678510707093504

absolutely heartbreaking https://t.co/5JwpgwSm2F
— Patrick Fyvie (@PFyvie30) November 11, 2020

Mans was a year away from the bag prayers https://t.co/J0eU598xnG
— Austin Whitson (@austinwhitson68) November 11, 2020

That makes my heart hurt. https://t.co/arqQVxOpd4
— danny ocean (@kvan_enaff) November 11, 2020

Wow that’s heartbreaking …. https://t.co/YuwsjxgrxO
— Devin (@djmagee16) November 11, 2020

My heart breaks for you Journey. Thank you for everything and the way you represented the university
— Sam Ellis (@sam_ellis15) November 11, 2020

Wow, horrible news.

We mocked Journey Brown to the #Jets in a recent mock draft — would have probably been a top-5 RB.

An absolute shame, wishing him all the best! https://t.co/BXsGipby0g
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) November 12, 2020

Football will ALWAYS be a part of you. I know that pain of not playing but please know this is only the beginning of your story. I have no doubt your next chapters will be full of success! We’ve got your back and will be behind you every step of the way #WeAre https://t.co/WlFOpJ9XZN
— Adam Taliaferro (@Tali43) November 12, 2020

This sucks so much. Hoping for continued health for you, Journey. You were a blast to watch, even from my OSU fandom side.
— Jake (@coachJS20) November 11, 2020

Awful. Just awful. Feel bad for him. https://t.co/4eMS1kfyeg
— Charles Buzeleski (@cabuzeleski) November 11, 2020

Praying for you. An outstanding football player and an even better person. Best of luck in your future.
— Ryan Roseweir (@ryan_roseweir) November 12, 2020

Very sad news. Wish him all the best and a healthy future https://t.co/sWxRFetugy
— Mike Williams (@mikewilliams378) November 12, 2020

I’ll remember the games when JB was the best player on the field. I am blessed and honored to be around the man who makes me a better person every single day. Love you JB! pic.twitter.com/EwApSD0scs
— Tyler Bowen (@TylerBowen) November 12, 2020

I am absolutely gutted for Journey. What a good kid who had worked himself in a position to make life-changing money for he and his family and has it all ripped away. Garbage.
— Clay Sauertieg (@ByCSauertieg) November 11, 2020

Standing up and screaming at the tv as you played in that cotton bowl and continually made unreal highlights will be one of my favorite memories. WE ARE wishing you the best of health and will be cheering you on through everything
— Dame (@MondayFortunato) November 12, 2020

Journey, you were fun to watch and you worked hard to get where you are. I have no doubt you will succeed in whatever you decide to do. I’m glad you caught your health condition in time. Best wishes to good health.
— Jason Altmann (@JasonAltmann) November 12, 2020

God this sucks man https://t.co/ScHtmwpViH
— Richard (@SecretRichardS) November 11, 2020

Wow. that is so sad! I feel so bad for the kid! Prayers to him and that he can get through whatever health issue he has. https://t.co/ivhvPte0tD
— Austin (@Albatrosstin) November 12, 2020

@JourneyBrown6 I am a 31 year old former athlete that actually collapsed on the field before they discovered my hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and now have a pacemaker for my trouble. I am so thankful they were able to find yours so you can live a long happy life! God bless!
— Garrett Casper (@GarrettCasper) November 12, 2020

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Support quality journalism:

Already receiving enough emails?

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

Topics

More

Enter a search term for instant results

Enter a search term for instant results

‘Absolutely Heartbreaking’: Penn State Fans React To Journey Brown’s Retirement

Your ad blocker is on.

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Seven Former Penn State Women’s Hockey Players Selected In 2026 PWHL Draft

Class Of 2028 Kicker Carter Petri Commits To Penn State Football

Penn State Men’s Hockey Announces 2026-27 Big Ten Hockey Weekends & Non-Conference Schedule

Goodnight Dorm Room: Matt DiSanto’s Senior Column

Roman Bravo-Young Announces Return To Penn State Wrestling

Penn State Hires Boston College’s Patrick Kraft As Next Athletic Director