Brennen Beyer: Student. Athlete. Volunteer.
9/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football, Features
By Brad Rudner
If you're ever in need of a helping hand, call Brennen Beyer. As long as he's not in class or on the football field, the chances are good that he'll answer.
To many, Beyer is known as a quiet, mild-mannered defensive end that has largely flown under the radar for the majority of his three-year career as a member of the University of Michigan's football team. He loves the game, but perhaps even more than that, he loves helping others, making this community activist one of the Schembechler Hall's best-kept secrets.
His successes on the football field and in the classroom notwithstanding, it is his efforts in the community that showcase just what kind of a man Beyer has become.
Before getting into the list of activities that reads more like a resume than a laundry list, you should know that Beyer does it largely because of his faith. His father, grandfather and uncle are all pastors, so it should come as no surprise that Beyer would want to follow in their footsteps once his football-playing days are over. Truth be told, he would rather be known as someone who loves his faith over any accolade from the football field, a selfless position that is becoming harder and harder in these new days of intercollegiate athletics.
"I believe it's what we're called to do," he said. "When you love on other people, it's great for them, but it's also great for you. You learn a lot about yourself."
Since arriving at Michigan three falls ago, Beyer has filled his ledger with community-related activities. He has spent his last three spring breaks traveling twice to Los Angeles and once to Puerto Rico. Between all three trips, he's helped renovate playgrounds, playing organized sports with inner-city children, wrapped gifts and even sang karaoke with the homeless on Skid Row.
More locally, Beyer has organized after-school activities at the Bryant Community Center, coached youth flag football with teammate Anthony Capatina (their team went winless) and has become a frequent visitor at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. For his endeavors, Beyer was one of 182 nominees named for the 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an award that recognizes players for their charitable involvement and community service contributions.
So long as it meant helping out his fellow man, there's nothing Beyer wouldn't do. He's what all student-athletes should strive to be. Between football, academics and community service, it's almost as if Beyer is working three jobs. The demands on a football player at the University of Michigan are high enough. The fact that does extra work -- non-required work -- should be applauded.
While others are starting to take notice for his giving ways, some have known from the start. The first roommate that junior linebacker Joe Bolden had upon moving to Ann Arbor was Beyer. "He's such a people person," Bolden said. "He gets along with everyone and everyone enjoys being around him. If you put your mind on something, you'll find plenty of time for it and that's what Brennen does. He makes time."
For as much as Beyer gives back off the field, he gives back in a different way once he straps on the winged helmet and shoulder pads. Usually it involves giving out punishing hits to opposing offensive linemen, tailbacks and the occasional quarterback.
"Football is a game where you're allowed to hit someone as hard as you can," he said. "I'm passionate about that."
Beyer enters his final year of college football looking to take more of a role as a leader. On a team of 110 players, he is one of 12 seniors. The onus is on them to show the other players how to walk the walk and talk the talk, but given all of his experience as a community leader, it should come easier.
Bolden says that Beyer is a lead-by-example kind of guy. Take it from him. He's right alongside Beyer in the defensive huddle.
"You have your vocal leaders and then you have guys that go out and play and don't say a word," Bolden said. "Brennen is a good combo of both. He's found the happy medium."
So what's in store for Beyer? In the short term, a great season, one that ends with him holding up the Big Ten championship trophy on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. Football could always be a part of his post-Michigan life, but as to when the equipment gets locked away in the garage is certainly up for debate. While a career coaching youth flag football may not be in the cards, expect his acts of community service to continue.
"Being able to help other people, I think it's one of the most fun things you can do," he said. "If you can dive 100 percent into something that you're passionate about, you're going to have fun doing it."
