Jason Brown set for NC Sports Hall of Fame induction

Bryant Baucom, Henderson (N.C.) Daily Dispatch
·2 min read

Apr. 21—HENDERSON — A decade removed from his playing career, Northern Vance High alum and Henderson native Jason Brown is still garnering accolades. Earlier this year, Brown was named among the 15 inductees for the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2023.

Brown played collegiately at the University of North Carolina and was a First Team All-ACC selection in 2004. He spent seven seasons in the NFL, garnering a successful career after becoming a third-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2005.

In 2009, he signed a five-year deal worth over $37 million, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL. Three years later, he would retire to pursue a bigger purpose, giving back to those in need.

Since then, he decided to return home and now runs First Fruits Farm, where he grows produce to donate to local pantries and those in need.

"I'm so humbled and it's a tremendous honor and privilege to be inducted," Brown said on Friday afternoon prior to the banquet. "... I'm a North Carolina boy born and raised and I always knew I wanted to come back no matter how far away I went."

As he looks back on where it all started and where he is today, Brown credits Henderson for making him the man he is today.

"I will forever be grateful for Henderson. I'm a product of Henderson and Vance County," said Brown during Friday's media availability. "Born at Mariah Parham and I am thankful that I am able to give back and make an impact in Henderson."

He continues to give back to those in the Henderson and Louisburg area and credits the game of football for giving him the chance to do so.

"I'm just thankful that God allowed me to be good at football," said Brown. "It gives me an opportunity to give back in a greater way and to truly live a life with purpose."

Brown joined former Tar Heel star Jerry Stackhouse as UNC alums in this year's class, alongside inductees Rick Barnes, Jeff Davis, Donald Evans, Tom Fazio, Ellen Griffin, Tom Higgins, Clarkston Hines, Robert "Stonewall" Jackson, Trudi Lacey, Ronald Rogers, John Sadri, Curtis Strange, and Rosie Thompson.

At press time, Jason Brown was set to be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Raleigh Convention Center.