Jamin Davis meets personal hero Jimmie Johnson

The rise of former Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis has been fast. Prior to entering his name into the 2021 NFL Draft, many expected him as a late-round pick.

That expectation didn’t last long as he skyrocketed himself into becoming a first-round draft pick by the Washington Football Team.

During the draft, the networks love to dive deep into the top prospects to learn their stories or interesting aspects that they can weave into their broadcast.

ESPN’s coverage of Davis featured typical facts like what his job would be if not in the NFL and favorite quote, but also threw in a mention of NASCAR and more specifically Jimmie Johnson.

I want to wish you the best of luck chasing your dream @jamindavis25 and let’s get you to a race ASAP. pic.twitter.com/Rxejyt5nij

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 30, 2021

Davis’ love of NASCAR started at a young age as his brothers and sisters each picked their favorite drivers. For him, the pick was easy in the seven-time champion Johnson.

When Kentucky played in the Belk Bowl in 2019, one of the trips they took was to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Davis relished the opportunity to get into a stock car and take his laps around one of the more famous tracks in all of the sport.

But early on Sunday morning, the former Cat’s dream of meeting one of the top NASCAR drivers of all time finally came to fruition.

When you meet your hero https://t.co/vRivOdebZu pic.twitter.com/DhGKZREOu5

— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) June 13, 2021

“I kept up with him pretty religiously,” Davis told the AP’s Jenna Fryer. “I was like damn who is that 48 he just keeps winning and then next thing I knew he was a seven-time champ.”

The meeting took place in Detroit where the Indy Car series was racing this weekend.

“He was really down to earth,” said Davis. “Just like I expected. A guy that is so easy to talk to and now that I got his number I can definitely reach out more and set things up.”

Davis will begin his NFL career in a preseason matchup with the Patriots on August 12 with the regular-season opener for the WFT set for September 12 against the Chargers.