Former NFL, University of Hawaii legendary quarterback Colt Brennan passes away at 37

Pro football quarterback Colt Brennan played for Washington during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. (Courtesy Twitter/Washington Football Team)

 

By Alfred Acenas
EBC Hawaii-Pacific

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – Despite not having the opportunity as a starting player in his brief professional career, Colt Brennan will always be remembered in the Aloha State and elsewhere as one of the greatest to play college football, even to the extent of becoming a role model for some of today’s star athletes.

The former University of Hawaii (UH) quarterback died on Tuesday, May 11 in Southern California. He was 37 years old.

“We know how much the islands meant to him. The Hawaiian people, they were his ʻohana [family],” said Brennan’s family in a statement. “He passed away peacefully with his sisters, mom, and dad by his side listening to Bob Marley and with a lei on his chest. He loved Hawaii, and we are forever grateful for all they did for him.”

UH Athletics issued the following statement: “It’s hard to put into words the impact that Colt Brennan had on Rainbow Warrior fans and the people of Hawaii. He was a phenomenal player and provided us some of the greatest sports memories we’ll ever have. But he was more than that. For all that he accomplished on the football field and the adulation he received for it, he always remained among the people. He never turned down an autograph, he never turned down a picture with someone. He inspired everyone, from our keiki [children] to our kupuna [elders]. He had a Warrior mentality on the field, but a true aloha spirit off of it. Today is an extremely tough day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Brennan ʻohana, and we mourn together with all those across Hawaii and Rainbow Warrior nation who were touched by Colt.”

Colt Brennan led the UH Warriors to its only Football Bowl Series appearance in the Sugar Bowl against the University of Georgia on New Year’s Day 2008. The team also completed an unprecedented 12-0 season, eventually winning the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title. In his senior year, Brennan became a Heisman Trophy finalist, alongside fellow quarterback and eventual winner Tim Tebow from the University of Florida.

College football quarterback Colt Brennan led the UH Warriors to an unprecedented 12-0 record in the 2007 season, earning them a trip to the 2008 Sugar Bowl. (Courtesy University of Hawaii Athletics)

 

The Irvine, California native finished his college career with 131 touchdowns, breaking Brigham Young University’s Ty Detmer’s record of 121 touchdowns at the time. He finished breaking or tying 31 NCAA records at the end of his time in college football.

As a pro, Brennan was drafted by Washington in the sixth round in 2008. Although he showed potential and won some games in the preseason, he remained with the team only as a backup for two years. He later moved on to a variety of teams in other leagues through 2014.

He spent the last several years working with Hawaii high school football programs.

(Eagle News Service)