STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Penn State running back Journey Brown says he has a heart condition that is forcing him to give up football. Penn State coach James Franklin told reporters Brown’s condition was not COVID-19 related, but it was discovered in September during “a routine COVID test.”“It’s heartbreaking,” Franklin told reporters. Neither Penn State nor Brown have indicated whether he tested positive for COVID-19, but the Big Ten requires cardiac screening and testing of those athletes who do before they can return to competition. Brown was Penn State’s leading rusher in 2019 and was expected to be one of the best backs in the country in 2020. Penn State is off to an 0-3 start and heading to Nebraska on Saturday.

Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 14, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. LINE: Penn State -6.5A primetime visit to Maryland, where most classes are being cancelled Friday and fans will be arriving for a "blackout" at Capital One Field, could test James Franklin's crew. Penn State has taken four straight meetings, including wins in the last two years by a combined 104-6. Penn State is 5-for-5 on field goals - including two more than 50 yards - while the Terrapins have missed their only try. PREDICTION: Penn State 28, Maryland 21More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.