Cain: Reaction to Talladega victory was one to remember
SEE IT AGAIN: Junior's press conference | Final lap at Talladega
Turns out NASCAR's perpetual most popular driver, two-time Daytona 500 champ and most recent Sprint Cup Series winner may be more like the rest of us than we ever considered.
Watching and listening to Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrate his win last Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway, there were unmistakable elements of humility, relief and joy.
Earnhardt was off-the-charts happy to win for the first time in 11 years at the track that flies his Junior Nation flag higher than anywhere else NASCAR visits. But even before he hoisted the trophy, he spoke of the effect the victory had on his heart and his pride.
And he sounded a lot like any other "kid" so desperately wanting to please everyone else -- and in the moment, very much pleased with himself, too.
He is someone who persevered through occasional doubt and high expectations. And in Earnhardt's case as the son of a NASCAR legend, he carried the immense weight of a vast fandom on his shoulders, which has now become more blessing than burden.
"I felt like we had a lot of supporters here because of dad's success, he won so many races here," Earnhardt said. "I think about all the races he won here and at Daytona. I love when we go to Victory Lane because I feel like I add to his legacy there. All I ever want to do is make him proud. I feel like when we win at those tracks where he was successful, that's exactly what we're doing.
"I don't really get to think about him that much. His birthday (April 29) came and went. Today, it made me think about his birthday, how much I miss him, how much he meant to me and so many more people that I can't even fathom the number of folks that he had a relationship with in this sport, a connection with, all his fans out there really enjoyed seeing him compete here."
Earnhardt has always acknowledged that a large portion of his massive fan base were natural crossovers to him once his legendary father, seven-time champ Dale Earnhardt died from a fatal crash in the 2001 Daytona 500.
So even from his earliest days developing as a Sprint Cup Series driver, he has carried the extra duty of being the son of an icon.
That's a lot to ask of anyone and at times, Earnhardt candidly conceded, he felt extreme pressure to the point of doubting himself when the results weren't as good, when the success was harder to come by.
"I think the part I feel I don't think I deserve is the racing side of it," a contemplative Earnhardt said Sunday. "There's just not many second chances. I feel like if my name wasn't Earnhardt that I wouldn't have had the second chance. I feel like I owe my second chance to my dad, his legacy, because the way I ran from '09 through those years till 2011 or so, I feel I didn't deserve to be kept around or hung onto.
"But I'm glad that it worked out. I certainly felt like in the right situation I could have success. But you just don't know whether you're going to get that opportunity.
"I watched a lot of sons follow a lot of fathers, regardless of the profession, and just have a real challenge of it. That is the part I feel like I'm fortunate about."
Over the years, these fans have become his, not just his father's.
In a far different era than his father existed, Earnhardt has proven himself a capable corporate spokesman and dedicated philanthropist away from the race track; a hugely popular celebrity and fan attraction for the sport in general. But he's never gotten the respect he deserves on the track.
Earnhardt's victory at Talladega -- his sixth -- ties him with Jeff Gordon for most among active drivers. And who holds the record for wins (10) here? His dad.
The win also produces a ticket into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship for the fifth consecutive season.
It also gives Earnhardt a well-timed confidence boost and as we've learned, confidence is something he has to earn and renew just like most of us despite his fame, pedigree and opportunity.
A Dale Earnhardt Jr. win is good for the sport -- television highlights, bigger headlines and huge amounts of Twitter buzz.
But an Earnhardt win -- particularly at place like Talladega -- is also good because everyone comes away feeling better.
Need to have your faith restored in athletes and sports?
Watch Earnhardt celebrate a win. Listen to what he says. Look at the genuine emotion on his face.
It's true and heartfelt joy in accomplishment. And we don't see that often enough.
Winning is never just "part of the job." It's the best part of the job.
MORE JUNIOR: Race recap | Did Jimmie let him win? | Shop