Penn State running back Journey Brown has been forced to step away from football as a result of being diagnosed with a heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A native of Meadville, Brown, 21, has not played all season after the condition was discovered in September.

Penn State coach James Franklin announced Brown’s predicament during a video conference with media on Wednesday.

“Through internal testing and second opinions, Journey Brown will no longer be able to play football,” Franklin said. “It was discovered through a routine covid-19 test, although it is not covid-related. We learned about this in early September, and we’ve been working through this and dealing with this as a team. Journey’s one of the most popular and respected players on our team.

“The entire organization has rallied behind Journey and his family. …. Journey has handled this extremely well, and I know he’ll be extremely successful in whatever he decides to do.”

Penn State had not revealed the nature of Brown’s ailment while he was sidelined through the first three games of the season. A posting on Brown’s Twitter account disclosed it was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on Wednesday.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Franklin, who wiped his eyes a handful of times while speaking about Brown. “When we found out about it, you’re in shock. You feel physically sick about it, and you’re in shock. You hurt for the kid. Obviously, it’s magnified because of all the conversations that were going on nationally about Journey and what he was going to be able to do this season. But I’ll tell you, the kid has been phenomenal. He’s handled it better than I think anybody I’ve ever been around.”

Brown was projected as a starter entering this season after rushing for 890 yards and 12 touchdowns on 129 carries in 13 games last year. He was seen a potential NFL prospect.

“We knew what type of player he could be for Penn State and also for his future,” Franklin said. “As much success as he’s had, it make it all the more challenging. You feel for the kid. He’s a special kid.”

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