The 38 Challenge

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The 38 Challenge

Continuing to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health. Origin:

On February 19th, 2021, USMC Captain Matthew Brewer died by su***de.

Captain Brewer played middle linebacker at The Naval Academy where he wore the number 38, and then served in the Marine Corps for 8 years before transitioning to be a firefighter in Kansas City. In response to Matt’s tragic death, his brother, Brandt McCartney, created a warrior workout to memorialize and honor his hero. From 2021 – 2022 The 38 Challenge has raised over $200,000 for TBI, PTSD, and

CTE research and awareness. Purpose:

The purpose of The 38 Challenge is for members of society to voluntarily place themselves in an uncomfortable situation and to lean on one another when suffering. We believe this same approach must be taken in order to break the mental health stigma ingrained into warrior culture. Mission:

To eliminate su***de through challenging the stigma associated with seeking help and showing vulnerability. Our core values:

Intense Passion
Steadfast Love
Comfort in the Uncomfortable
Consistent Perseverance
Relentless Vulnerability

02/19/2026

Today we remember the life of Captain Matthew Brewer.

It is 5 years since we lost Captain Brewer to “the perfect storm.”

The perfect storm is an insidious combination of Brain Injuries, Trauma, Transition and Identity Loss.

Captain Brewer was a decorated Marine Corps Officer, USNA two year starting linebacker and Heavy Weight boxing champion.

He was referred to as “Captain America of the Marine Corps” and as having the “it factor” by his superiors. He was loved, feared and respected by all who knew him.

To help us honor Matt today, we ask :
1. Complete your version of The 38 Challenge workout, found at our website.
2. Check in on your homies and loved ones. Make sure they know you love them, are there from them and don’t shy away from uncomfortable mental health conversations.

Together, we will defeat the Stigma and go to war against the mental health epidemic.

02/12/2026

Our movement At The 38 Challenge started with a missed call.

A call that never happened because of the stigma asssociayed with having hard, vulnerable conversations around mental health.

Valentine’s Day is about love. Loving your family, your significant other, your friends, and yourself.

Sometimes love is hard. Make sure you are checking on your loved ones and making them know you are there, you care about them and you will never leave their side.

Overwhelmed with gratitude and love. We hope you are too.

❤️

08/08/2025

Happy birthday to the man behind the mission.

On August 8th, 1989 a monument of a man was born into this world.

Captain Matt Brewer had a profound impact on anyone who met him. Not through loud words or boisterous gestures, but because of his quiet confidence and leadership by example.

Today we celebrate the life of Matthew Hamilton Brewer and thank him for the legacy he left behind.

You are never alone. Nothing is stronger than asking for help.

05/26/2025

Today we remember those brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the freedoms we are blessed with.

We honor those who died not only on the battlefield, but those who lost the battle to invisible wounds as well.

We remember warriors like Captain Brewer, who because of brain, moral and identity injuries, lost their lives.

We will never forget, and will never stop fighting.

04/15/2025

Introducing the 2025 38 Challenge Shirts!

We will be hosting several events, first one on May 6th in Tampa, Florida.

Register at the link in our bio!

04/14/2025

Huge shout out to for being our presenting sponsor at The SOFWEEK 38 Challenge!

Make to register for the May 6th event at the link in our bio!

03/06/2025

We are officially 2 months away from our 38 Challenge Event at SOFWeek 2025!

To register go to the link in our bio or the38challenge.com

There will be three phases of the event:

1. The 38 Challenge Workout

2. Vulnerable Keynote Speeches from Professional Athletes and Special Operators

3. Community and Recovery

Looking forward to seeing you there!

3️⃣8️⃣💪🏼🇺🇸

03/04/2025

Throwback to Captain Matt Brewer with the other linebackers after a Army vs Navy victory for the Midshipmen

This is who we do it for.

Bring back neck pads!

02/19/2025

Today we honor and remember former Navy Linebacker #38 and USMC Captain Matt Brewer, who took his life on February 19th, 2021.

Matthew Hamilton Brewer, described as “Captain America of the Marines” by his superiors, was a man who was respected, feared and loved by all who knew him.

Brewer died by suspected CTE and PTS after enduring decades of both repetitive head impacts and blast exposure.

Our mission at The 38 Challenge is to honor Captain Brewers legacy while challenging the stigma associated with being vulnerable and providing brain health tools to veterans, athletes and first responders.

“Matt is helping way more people in heaven then he ever could on the battle field”

02/18/2025

Join us in a virtual 38 Challenge, tomorrow February 19th as we honor the 4 year anniversary of USMC Captain Matt Brewer.

4 years ago, Matthew Hamilton Brewer, described as “Captain America of the Marines,” took his own life.

In Matts memory, his brother created a warrior workout, which has evolved into a nationally recognized movement : The 38 Challenge

38 minutes : As many rounds as possible
400 meter run
38 push ups
38 sit ups
38 squats

Please tag with your content if you completing the challenge!

To support our mission providing brain health tools to veterans and first responders, visit www.the38challenge.com

02/11/2025

The 38 Challenge events are designed to empower vulnerability through leaning on others when suffering.

Event Agenda:

1. 38 Minutes of Exercise
Participants are asked to voluntarily place themselves in an uncomfortable situation and to lean on others while suffering.

2. Vulnerable Keynotes
Strong men and women share raw and powerful stories about the strength it took to get through their own mental health battles.

3. Community and Recovery
While partnering with other non-profit organizations, participants receive free IV therapy, guided breath work, cold plunge, and more.

Register today at www.the38challenge.com

💪🏼🇺🇸3️⃣8️⃣

Address

1319 Crampton Street
Dallas, TX
75207

Website

http://www.the38challenge.org/

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