Former University of Hawai‘i QB, Colt Brennan Dies at 37

Former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan has died, according to multiple media reports. Brennan was 37-year-old.  

The news spread quickly this morning with the official Twitter account of the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warrior Football program sharing condolences. “The Hawai’i football program is deeply saddened by the news of Colt Brennan passing,” current Warrior head coach Todd Graham said in a Tweet. “A great Warrior legend, rest in aloha. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that the former collegiate football standout was a patient in a rehabilitation inpatient treatment facility when he was found unconscious a few days ago.  He died at a hospital in California, according to the paper.  

Governor David Ige issued a statement today saying, “Colt Brennan electrified the entire State of Hawai‘i at the peak of his college career with the UH Rainbow Warrior Football team. He will always be remembered for his brilliance, his leadership and how he and his team brought the people of Hawai‘i together during that exciting and memorable 2007 season. Dawn and I join our community in mourning the loss of Colt Brennan. We send our deepest condolences to Colt’s family and loved ones.”

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino also shared condolences saying, “Joycelyn and I were very sad to hear about the untimely death of Hawaiʻi sports star Colt Brennan.  We share our deepest condolences with his parents, two sisters, extended family members, friends and fans.”

“In 2007, quarterback Colt Brennan led the University of Hawaiʻi to a record 13-game winning streak, its third WAC championship and he shined the national spotlight on UH football at the 2008 Sugar Bowl Game. Colt Brennan gave everything to his fans, and he will always be remembered as a Rainbow Warrior who was full of heart. Sometimes the expectations put upon successful athletes and entertainers become too heavy to bear. We ask everyone to be compassionate and respectful during this difficult time for his loved ones,” said Mayor Victorino.

According to the University of Hawai’i, Brennan finished third in the Heisman Trophy race in 2007 and was a two-time third-team A.P. All-American quarterback in 2006-07. UH reports that Brennan set or tied 31 NCAA records during his three-year career. He won the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 2006 an was a two-time WAC Offensive Player of the Year. He also played in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.

Brennan was also selected by Washington in the 2008 draft. A Washington Football Team Tweet paid tribute to the former football player with a photo and condolences on his passing.