This riveting story of a top-earning NFL center and his family who walked away from it all to follow God’s call to alleviate hunger as farmers—a life they knew absolutely nothing about—illustrates the sacrifice and ultimate reward of obedience to our heavenly Father even when it doesn’t make earthly sense. “A remarkable story where family, deep self-reflection, and an unshakable belief in a path … unshakable belief in a path predestined by God triumph over fortune and comfort.”—John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens
NFL lineman Jason Brown had everything in the world. He was the highest-paid center in the game. He lived in luxury. Millions of people saw and admired him every week. Then in 2012, Jason heard a call from God that changed everything.
Leaving behind an incredibly successful football career that paid millions, Jason turned toward a life he knew nothing about: farming. It was only the beginning of his journey. Through third-party mismanagement and a run of bad luck, Jason lost most of the money he’d saved from his NFL days—the same money he’d planned to use to start his new career and donate fresh produce to hungry kids. Only a miracle could save Jason’s new dream.
And that’s exactly what happened.
Centered is an inspiring riches-to-rags-to-true-riches story of one man willing to risk it all for the sake of his family. For the sake of loving others. For the sake of seeking God’s dreams first—and reminding each of us to do the same.
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I am not a football fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I do remember a few years back seeing a feature about Jason Brown during Sunday afternoon football, and the story intrigued me. So when I heard about this book I jumped at the chance to read Mr. Brown’s story.
Jason Brown tells of his humble, hardworking roots, getting bullied in school, and having a strong focus on academics, with football only crossing his mind as an afterthought. An engaging read, it takes the reader through the highs and lows of his life, as Mr. Brown shares the lessons he learned not always the easy way. He shares of his faith in God, strong family values, and how it wasn’t always that way. His love for God, love for his family, and powerful faith shine through every page of this book. I admired, and was inspired by how he turned his back on the riches that the world had to offer in order to follow God, even when the sun wasn’t always shining, and to be the husband and father his family needed.
Overall, this is a highly inspiring story of trusting and obeying God. I loved how he speaks so passionately about his faith, with such loving pride for his family. Even if you are like me and don’t care much for football, or if you follow the spot closely this is a powerful, inspiring and uplifting book that you won’t want to miss!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
At one point in his career, Jason Brown was the top earning NFL center to play the game, but when God called him to be a farmer, and literally feed the poor around him, he lost his finances, but gained so much more.
Centered is told in short vignettes of the road Brown traveled to get to First Fruits Farm. From the “fat kid” at school whose father was gone most of the time, to playing in the NFL, his story is one miracle after another, and a testimony to trusting in God’s provision. When he went his own way his life and marriage suffered for it, but when he chucked it all, things fell into place in ways that could only happen with direction from Almighty God.
Centered is both inspirational, and candid. I found myself wondering if I could give up control of my life, as Brown did, without any guarantee that I would be able to care for my growing family. He stepped pretty far out on a limb, and at 400 lbs , that limb could have easily snapped – but God.
Read Centered, if your faith is weak. You’ll see a God who steps up for those who love him. Read Centered if you like sports bios. Brown tells some great stories of his football days. Read Centered if you are looking for your next project. What Brown is doing is do-able other places, and could probably use outside support as well.
I absolutely recommend Centered. It was a fairly fast book to read, and I loved how it built story by story.
I received this book free from the publisher, but I also bought my own copy after I read it so that I could share it!
I was thrilled when chosen to be on the Launch Team for this book, Centered, by former NFL Center, Jason Brown. I’d heard a bit of the backstory and was intrigued—give up your salary as one of the highest paid centers in the NFL at the time to farm? Without experience? And then to give all the food you grow away? Who does that?
The book is very inspiring. What they went through as they trusted their nudge from God was amazing.
Then a cool thing happened the other day as I was near the end of reading it – Jason and his family were on the Today show! Like putting skin on the story – seeing them together on their farm.
Think there’s nothing you can do to help others? Think again. Get this book and let the Brown family show you a great play or two out of their play book.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook Multnomah, with no expectation in return. The words and opinions above are my own and I chose to share them.