Marshall McFadden, once an NFL linebacker, has successfully transitioned to become the jackman for Ross Chastain’s pit crew in the NASCAR Cup Series, showcasing how professional athletes with a strong Ross Chastain NASCAR jackman Marshall McFadden NFL background adapt to the racing world. Working with Trackhouse Racing, McFadden brings a competitive edge from his football days to his pivotal role on race day.
From the NFL Gridiron to NASCAR Pit Road
Members of NASCAR pit crews frequently have roots in top-tier sports programs, and Marshall McFadden exemplifies this path. Following an NFL career spanning from 2012 to 2015, during which he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and St. Louis Rams, McFadden entered stock car racing with little prior exposure to motorsport mechanics. His debut as a jackman came after retirement, initially with Chip Ganassi Racing before the team was acquired and rebranded as Trackhouse Racing by Justin Marks in 2021. In addition, McFadden contributes his skills to Kaulig Racing, primarily working on the #16 team with driver AJ Allmendinger.
McFadden is spotted in practice pit stop sessions with Trackhouse Racing, gaining recognition for his swift adaptation to the high-pressure pit road environment. His fellow teammates include the vital crew chief, tire carriers, tire changers, and fuelers, each playing essential roles. Notably, Chastain, driving the #1 car for Trackhouse Racing, recently celebrated a win at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a result also credited to efficient pit stops from skilled crew members like McFadden.
“Former NFL linebacker Marshall McFadden has found a new hunger for competition as a NASCAR jackman 🔥,”
—FearBuck, X user
The Critical Role and Demands of a NASCAR Jackman
As jackman, McFadden operates the jack that lifts the racecar, providing his teammates the opportunity to change out tires at split-second speeds. The dynamics of pit stops have evolved over the years, currently averaging about 10.5 seconds per stop due to technical advancements in tires and equipment. On occasion, the pit crew’s involvement hinges on race strategies, with some drivers opting for only a fuel stop, impacting how often McFadden springs into action.
Trackhouse Racing’s roster also features Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez, demonstrating the organization’s investment in talented team members both behind the wheel and on pit road. Each member’s performance, from drivers like Ross Chastain to pit crew roles such as McFadden’s, contributes to a team’s chance at victory in the fiercely competitive NASCAR Cup Series.
Four-Race Suspension Marks Turning Point at Kaulig Racing
McFadden’s pit crew journey faced turbulence in 2022 when he received a four-race suspension alongside crew chief Trent Owens and tire changer Jacob Nelson. The penalty stemmed from a pit road incident at Kaulig Racing, where a loose left-rear wheel detached from Justin Haley’s #31 Nashville Superspeedway.
Ongoing Influence and Future Prospects
Marshall McFadden’s transition from professional football to becoming a critical part of a NASCAR team like Trackhouse Racing highlights the reliance motorsports place on athletic skill and discipline. His presence as Ross Chastain’s NASCAR jackman and his NFL background continue to spark interest in the growing intersection between major American sports leagues and motorsports, signaling potential for more athletes to cross boundaries and bring their competitive mindset to new arenas.
