CONCORD, N.C. – In the July 24 edition of Sports Illustrated, Jimmie Johnson is among a handful of men and women profiled in a story focused on athletes either nearing or just past their 40th birthdays.
Centered around New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s ability to stay on top of his game as he nears the age of 40, author Greg Bishop looks into what it takes to succeed past that magic age.
Other athletes featured include MMA fighter Daniel Cormier, soccer star Didier Drogba, Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Beltran and former WNBA champion DeLisha Milton-Jones.
Johnson’s section focuses on the driver’s impressive fitness regimen surrounding outdoor sports – particularly biking and triathlons.
Johnson told the author that this generation of NASCAR drivers is arguably the first to have taken its collective fitness so seriously.
“Sometimes people compare me to Brady,” the seven-time champion said. “That’s great. I’m fanatical about my fitness, nutrition and hydration. So is he.”