Here is what Donovan had to say.
Then here was the reaction from the NASCAR Community.
The debate continues… Everyone is entitled to an opinion. #DriversAreAthletes
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 16, 2013
20+ yr debate. @NASCAR driver athlete? Never met a "athlete" who actually drove a racecar that doubted it. Care to take a ride Donovan?
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) November 16, 2013
I understand why people watch and it doesn't look athletic. The only way to prove it is to put people in 'real' cars and let them learn
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) November 16, 2013
Wow @donovanjmcnabb really? Got to b an idiot. I'd like to see him keep up with @JimmieJohnson in a workout. And drive our cars for 500miles
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) November 16, 2013
Donovan McNabb is a moron. Says @JimmieJohnson isn't an athlete because he doesn't do anything active, just drives a car….
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) November 16, 2013
I have driven in a car around a NASCAR track, trust me you can’t be an bum athletically to do that for 500 miles.
It would be like saying swimmers aren’t athletes because you do laps in your backyard pool.
It is just a different type of athlete. I need Donovan to open up his mind a bit, it isn’t like driving to the store and back.