Growing up, Brendel's family was involved in local musical theater. During a production of "Annie," Brendel's dad, Bill, played "Daddy Warbucks," his mom was the musical director and Lauren and Jake played two background actors. "Jake was the dancer. The kid could dance and sing," said Bill.
Enjoys fishing, particularly for bass, bluegills and walleye.
Spent much of his childhood participating in various sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, wrestling and was a competitive swimmer in the backstroke and breaststroke.
Golden Nuggets
Growing up, Brendel's family was involved in local musical theater. During a production of "Annie," Brendel's dad, Bill, played "Daddy Warbucks," his mom was the musical director and Lauren and Jake played two background actors. "Jake was the dancer. The kid could dance and sing," said Bill.
Enjoys fishing, particularly for bass, bluegills and walleye.
Spent much of his childhood participating in various sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, wrestling and was a competitive swimmer in the backstroke and breaststroke.
Goldmine
NFL players had the opportunity to participate in the NFL's annual My Cause, My Cleats campaign during the 2018 season. Brendel represented the foundation, "Living for Zachary," named for former high school teammate Zachary Schraw, who passed away in 2009 on the Plano East High School football field. He died suddenly of cardiac arrest. "If there was an AED (automated external defibrillator) nearby, it could have saved Zachary's life, might have brought his heart back to life," Brendel said. "The foundation is trying to make sure the next time that happens, a life can be saved."
As a senior at UCLA in 2015, Brendel and his teammates suited up to play in their senior game at the Rose Bowl. He was joined by his entire family, including older sister, Lauren. Lauren had officially made captain in the Air Force the week before, and decided to skip her ceremonial pinning in order to watch her brother play. "It was great to have her there, especially being Military Appreciation Day," Jake said. "She loved every single aspect of it." Lauren, through her various assignments in the Air Force, was forced to miss a majority of her brother's games, but knew she wanted to be there for this one. "My feeling was, I'll be pinned for major, the next promotion, and then my family can be there," Lauren said. "Senior night was a one and only type thing for Jake. I couldn't miss that ceremony."
College
Started 52 games at C in five years at UCLA (2011-15). In 2015, started all 13 games as a team co-captain. Named second-team All-Conference selection and earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 hon- ors. As a junior in 2014, started all 12 games in which he appeared and was named team co-captain for the second year and earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors. Started all 13 games in 2013 as a team co-captain. As a freshman in 2012, started all 14 games at C and was named First-Team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News. Redshirted in 2011.
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