Ex-NFL Star Walks Away From $37 Million Contract to Become a Farmer: ‘God Revealed to Me’

In an age where fame and fortune are often seen as the pinnacle of success, Jason Brown, former NFL offensive lineman, made an extraordinary choice that left many stunned. In April 2012, Brown walked away from a lucrative football career, turning down millions of dollars to embrace a life of faith and service. It wasn’t an easy decision, but Brown knew he had a higher calling. "God revealed to me that He had something greater in store for me," Brown shared on his website, as he traded the NFL for farming — a field in which he had no prior experience.

At the time, Brown had just come off a contract with the St. Louis Rams that made him the highest-paid center in NFL history. In 2009, he signed a $37.5 million contract, securing his financial future, or so it seemed. But after personal reflection, Brown realized that his life had been rooted in materialism and entertainment, while his heart longed for something more meaningful. His older brother, who had sacrificed his life in military service, became a significant source of inspiration for Brown’s journey. "I began to measure up everything I had accomplished with what my brother had accomplished over the 27 years of his life. There was no comparison. I had lived a life of entertainment and selfishness, and he had lived a life of service," Brown told Modern Farmer.

The defining moment came on his 27th birthday. While standing in his mansion’s bathroom, Brown stared into the mirror and faced the hard truth — his success on the football field wasn’t fulfilling his soul. As he grappled with this realization, God’s voice became clearer. Brown felt called to a path of service, and he began seeking answers through prayer. In an interview with the Tamron Hall Show, Brown said, "I asked Jesus, with all of the gifts, talents, and resources, all of those blessings that you’ve given me, what can I do more to be a blessing to our neighbors?" The answer came in a divine calling: "I want you to feed My people," God told him.

Despite having no farming experience, Brown’s faith compelled him to move forward. With his wife, Tay, and their growing family, Brown left behind the life of luxury, sold their 12,000-square-foot mansion, and moved into an old farmhouse in North Carolina. Their new mission was to establish First Fruits Farm. "Tay and I made a covenant with God and told Him that whatever place He blessed us with, we would name it First Fruits Farm, and that His people would receive the firstfruits of whatever is produced from the land," Brown said. True to their word, they began donating their crops to food banks, soup kitchens, and hunger relief organizations.

The journey was not without its challenges. As Brown admitted, "There were so many times when I didn’t know what I was doing." Despite the uncertainty, Brown trusted in God’s provision. "God told me He was going to supply my every need," he recalled. Armed with nothing but his faith and a determination to serve, Brown turned to YouTube to learn basic farming techniques. With the help of local farmers and volunteers, Brown harvested his first crop in 2014 — 100,000 pounds of sweet potatoes — and donated the entire yield to those in need.

The first harvest was just the beginning. Over the years, First Fruits Farm has grown and thrived, donating hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce to hunger relief efforts. In collaboration with organizations like the Society of St. Andrew, the Interfaith Food Shuttle, and the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina, Brown’s farm has made a significant impact on food security in the region. In one instance, 10,000 pounds of cucumbers and 100,000 pounds of sweet potatoes were donated for local hunger relief, thanks to the generous support of local farming experts and volunteers. "I couldn’t have done it without their help," Brown humbly acknowledged.

While the material success of his NFL career once defined Brown, he now sees his true success through the lens of service. "Love is the most wonderful currency that you can give anyone," Brown often says. For him, success is no longer measured by financial wealth or fame, but by how much one can give to others. "Everyone’s life has a purpose, and the only way to know that purpose is through applying God’s heavenly wisdom in our lives and having a covenant relationship with our Creator, Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ."

The farm itself has become more than just a place to grow crops — it’s a symbol of resilience, faith, and community. Brown’s mission expanded beyond simply donating food. He began to open First Fruits Farm to the public, hosting events like youth fishing derbies, educational tours, and even renting out the barn for weddings and reunions. Brown realized that agritourism could help sustain the farm financially while sharing the beauty and peace of the land with others. "We’ve had many people tell us that we have the most beautiful farm in all of North Carolina," Brown said. "It truly is a special place, and many people like to come out here."

Jason’s journey hasn’t been without its critics. Some, including his own agent, told him he was making a huge mistake by leaving the NFL. But for Brown, the decision was never about money or fame. "When I think about a life of greatness, I think about a life of service," he shared. His choice to walk away from football to pursue farming was driven by a deep faith and a desire to serve others, especially the hungry. "So many people said we were living the American dream, but what good is the American dream when you’re leaving behind other Americans?" Brown asked.

Today, First Fruits Farm stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring those who benefit from its harvests and anyone seeking to live a life of purpose. Jason Brown’s dedication to faith and service has made him a role model for many. Despite the financial challenges of farming, Brown remains steadfast in his belief that God will provide. "We haven’t purchased any eggs, poultry, pork, or beef from a grocery store. And there is freedom in that," he proudly shared. The farm has allowed his family to become self-sustaining, deepening their connection to the land and the food they grow.

Jason Brown’s story is a powerful reminder that life’s true meaning lies not in wealth, but in service, love, and faith. "Throughout our financial struggles, there was always food on our table... and they’ve never missed a meal," Brown says of his eight children, thankful for the blessings that come from following God’s purpose.