"Love You Brother": The Rock Gives Tribute to Man Who Changed His Life at Daytona 500

Originally posted on SE Scoops | By Thomas Lowson | Last updated 2/20/24

Dwayne Johnson has become a huge megastar in the world of entertainment, but that wouldn't have happened if not for the influence of a very special person.

This week, The Rock served as the Grand Marshal of the Daytona 500. The Brahma Bull had been scheduled to kick off the annual race last weekend before severe weather delayed plans.

The Rock's Tribute

The Rock had a great time at the Daytona 500, which was covered on Twitter by the FOX: NASCAR account. During the video shared online, The Rock can be seen being interviewed by somebody, and looking up to the sky saying "Rest in peace, I love you brother." In a tweet of his own, The Rock gave context, revealing that he was speaking about somebody who changed his life.

"Crazy moment here. You’ll see at the end, I’m shooting a cellphone vid for a guy - he gets my attention, by yelling my old high school in Pennsylvania (Freedom) and mentioning my high school football coach, Jody Cwik.

"The last time I got arrested at 15, Jody said “hey stop getting arrested and come play football for me”.

"I did.

"And it changed my life.

"He changed my life. You’ll see me look up and point, and and say “rest in peace, I love you brother”

"Amidst the adrenaline and beautiful chaos of #DAYTONA500 this moment was the last thing I expected.

"I’m grateful it did.

Crazy moment here. You’ll see at the end, I’m shooting a cellphone vid for a guy - he gets my attention, by yelling my old high school in Pennsylvania (Freedom) and mentioning my high school football coach, Jody Cwick.
The last time I got arrested at 15, Jody said “hey stop… https://t.co/cvnI589kWm
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 20, 2024

Who Was Jody Cwik?

Cwik passed away in 2006 at the age of 51. A graduate of Philipsburg High School, he would later study at Kutztown University, earning a BS in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. Later, he received his Master's Degree in Education also from Kutztown University. At the time of his passing, he was survived by his wife and their one daughter Lauren.

Dwayne Johnson has often spoken highly of Cwick and the profound effect he had on his life. In 2016, the former WWE Champion recalled shaking hands with Cwik and how his grades and attitude improved at school when he began playing football. Johnson said in an interview with Oprah's Master Class that to this day, he tries to see the best in kids who have been written off by others.

This article first appeared on SE Scoops and was syndicated with permission.

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