From pursuing opponents on the football field to speeding down the track, local star Kellen Mills has transitioned his athletic prowess into a whole new profession. Once a standout fullback for Mesa Mountain View High School and a formidable defensive end for Arizona State, Mills has now traded in his shoulder pads for a firesuit.
While his shift to motorsports may have come as a surprise, it is undeniable that his background in athletics and dedication in the gym have been instrumental in his journey. Mills showcased his versatility by playing various positions for the Toros, from fullback to center to tight end. It was during this time that his passion for Olympic weightlifting blossomed, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Kellen Mills (No. 85) during his time at ASU. Image credit: Joe Gibbs Racing.
During his tenure at ASU, Mills excelled as a defensive end, playing a crucial role in the Sun Devils’ defense. Joe Kenn, the strength coach at ASU, recognized Mills’ exceptional athleticism and advanced skills in the weight room. Following his college career, Kenn moved on to work with the Carolina Panthers while also fostering connections within the world of motorsports. It was Kenn who first introduced Mills to the idea of racing. However, discussions were put on hold when Mills embarked on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Upon his return, Mills pursued a career in construction until a life-changing phone call altered his path. Recalling the pivotal moment, Mills shared, “It was towards the end of the day, I believe on a Thursday, when I received a phone call that changed everything.” This call presented him with the opportunity to try out for a NASCAR pit crew in North Carolina.
After organizing his affairs, Mills flew across the country to start training without pay, eventually attending pit school in the evenings. His skills quickly progressed, transitioning from a backup pit crew member in IndyCar racing to a full-time pit crew role. Subsequently, he made the switch to NASCAR, serving as a gasman for Team Penske. With a desire to advance further in the pit crew hierarchy, Mills joined Team Joe Gibbs in 2019. Under the mentorship of Gibbs, a revered figure in both the NFL and NASCAR, Mills pursued his aspiration to become a Jack man. Since assuming a leadership role in the pit lane, Mills’ team has consistently ranked among the top performers in NASCAR. His success can be attributed to meticulous preparation, with Mills drawing parallels between powerlifting and pit lane operations.
Kellen Mills, preparing for his next pit stop with the jack in hand. Image credit: Joe Gibbs Racing.
Kellen Mills celebrating with the No. 11 crew after Denny Hamlin’s victory at Phoenix Raceway in November 2019. Image credit: Joe Gibbs Racing.
Mills highlighted the mental fortitude and precision required in both powerlifting and pit crew duties. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity, drawing parallels between analyzing film sessions in football and Olympic lifting to scrutinizing pit stops for areas of improvement.
His background has been pivotal in his pit crew success, propelling him to lead one of the premier teams in the NASCAR Cup Series. The Arizona native recently made a triumphant return to Phoenix Raceway, where his team, supporting Erik Jones, secured a commendable 31st place finish.
Despite his professional commitments, Mills continues to reside in Arizona with his wife and two children.