History of Colt Brennan in Timeline

Colton James Brennan was an American professional football quarterback. He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes, the Saddleback Bobcats, and most notably with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. While playing for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, he was a two-time third-team All-American. In 2008, he was selected by the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

August 16, 1983: Birth of Colt Brennan

Colt Brennan was born on August 16, 1983.

1990: Previous NCAA Record

In 1990, David Klingler set the previous NCAA Division I-A single-season record for touchdown passes, which Brennan broke in 2006.

1991: Ty Detmer's Record

In 1991, Ty Detmer set the major college career record for touchdown passes, which Colt Brennan broke in 2007.

2002: College Career Begins

Colt Brennan began his college football career as a walk-on at the University of Colorado in 2002, redshirting his first year.

January 28, 2004: Incident at University of Colorado

On January 28, 2004, Colt Brennan was arrested following an incident in a female student's dorm room. He was later convicted of felony burglary and trespassing, while a guilty verdict for unlawful sexual contact was vacated. He was dismissed from the Colorado football team.

2004: Transfer to Saddleback College

In 2004, Colt Brennan transferred to Saddleback College, leading them to a conference championship and earning several accolades, including honorable mention JUCO All-American.

2005: Transfer to University of Hawaii

Colt Brennan transferred to the University of Hawaii in 2005, where he quickly became the starting quarterback. He had a successful first season, breaking several school offensive records and leading the country in total offense yards and touchdowns thrown.

December 24, 2006: Hawaii Bowl and NCAA Record

On December 24, 2006, during the Hawaii Bowl, Colt Brennan threw for five touchdowns, breaking the NCAA Division I-A single-season record for touchdown passes.

2006: Preseason Accolades and National Leadership

In 2006, Brennan was named the WAC's preseason Offensive Player of the Year and led the nation in scoring and passing efficiency.

2006: Heisman Trophy Voting and Return to Hawaii

In 2006, Colt Brennan finished 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting. He decided to return to the University of Hawaii for his senior season.

November 23, 2007: Breaking the Career Touchdown Record

On November 23, 2007, Colt Brennan broke the major college career record for touchdown passes during a game against Boise State.

December 16, 2007: Graduates from University of Hawaii

Colt Brennan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Hawaii on December 16, 2007, receiving a standing ovation.

2007: Heisman Contender

Colt Brennan entered the 2007 season as a Heisman Trophy front-runner.

2007: Remembered for 2007 Season

Following his death, Colt Brennan was remembered for his contributions to the 2007 season.

January 6, 2008: Colt Brennan Praises June Jones

On January 6, 2008, Colt Brennan praised his coach, June Jones, for giving him a chance and helping him develop into a successful quarterback.

2008: Drafted by Washington Redskins

Colt Brennan was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft and signed a four-year contract.

2008: NFL Draft

Colt Brennan was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft.

2008: Preseason Success with Redskins

During the 2008 NFL preseason, Colt Brennan performed well, leading all rookies in touchdown passes, passing yards, and quarterback rating.

2008: Sugar Bowl and Heisman Trophy Finalist

In the 2008 Sugar Bowl, Colt Brennan and the University of Hawaii lost to the Georgia Bulldogs. Brennan finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He also suffered a torn labrum in his hip during the Senior Bowl practice.

September 4, 2009: Season-Ending Injury

On September 4, 2009, Colt Brennan's 2009 season ended prematurely due to a torn hamstring and a hip injury requiring surgery, similar to one he suffered in college.

August 2, 2010: Traded and Released

The Redskins traded for John Beck on August 2, 2010, making Brennan expendable, and he was subsequently released.

August 7, 2010: Signs with Oakland Raiders

Colt Brennan signed with the Oakland Raiders on August 7, 2010.

November 19, 2010: Hospitalized After Car Crash

On November 19, 2010, Colt Brennan was seriously injured in a car crash, suffering a traumatic brain injury, broken ribs, and collarbone.

November 27, 2010: Released from Hospital

Brennan was released from Queen's Medical Center on November 27, 2010, to continue his recovery at his parents' home.

2010: 2010 Car Crash Injuries

Brennan's 2010 car crash injuries were cited as the cause of memory problems leading to a false police report in 2015.

2010: Car Crash and Brain Injury

In 2010, Colt Brennan suffered a brain injury in a car crash, which later impacted his career.

June 3, 2011: Signs with Hartford Colonials

On June 3, 2011, Brennan signed with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League.

August 10, 2011: Colonials Suspend Operations

The Hartford Colonials suspended operations on August 10, 2011.

August 15, 2011: Not Selected in Dispersal Draft

Brennan was not selected by any of the remaining UFL teams in a dispersal draft on August 15, 2011.

February 28, 2012: Signs with Saskatchewan Roughriders

Colt Brennan signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League on February 28, 2012.

June 11, 2012: Released by Roughriders

Brennan was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 11, 2012.

July 25, 2012: Arrested for DUI

Colt Brennan was arrested on July 25, 2012, for suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession.

August 2012: Charged with Drunken Driving

In August 2012, Brennan was charged with drunken driving.

November 2012: Pleads Not Guilty

Brennan initially pleaded not guilty to DUI charges in November 2012.

July 31, 2013: Pleads Guilty to DUI

Brennan pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol on July 31, 2013, and paid a $300 fine.

October 29, 2013: Assigned to Los Angeles Kiss

Colt Brennan was assigned to the Los Angeles Kiss of the Arena Football League on October 29, 2013.

March 8, 2014: Released by LA Kiss

On March 8, 2014, Brennan was released by the LA Kiss after a brain injury diagnosis stemming from a 2010 car crash.

2014: Describes Injuries from Car Crash

In 2014, Brennan publicly described the lasting emotional impact of his injuries from the 2010 car crash.

2015: False Police Report Filed

In 2015, Brennan allegedly filed a false police report about a stolen vehicle, attributed to memory problems from his 2010 car crash.

2017: Cousin's Coaching Career Begins at San Jose State

Colt Brennan's cousin, Brent Brennan, began his head coaching career at San Jose State in 2017.

December 10, 2019: Arrested for DUI

Colt Brennan was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence on December 10, 2019, in Kaneohe.

August 1, 2020: Arrested for Trespassing

On August 1, 2020, Brennan was arrested for trespassing and refusing to leave a hotel while intoxicated.

May 10, 2021: Hospitalized and Dies

On May 10, 2021, Colt Brennan was hospitalized after ingesting fentanyl and died the following day at age 37.

May 11, 2021: Death of Colt Brennan

Colt Brennan passed away on May 11, 2021.

February 25, 2022: Diagnosed with CTE

On February 25, 2022, it was revealed that Colt Brennan had Stage 1 CTE, a disease linked to repeated head trauma. His autopsy report also revealed multiple substances in his system.