Former University of Hawai'i football quarterback Colt Brennan passed away early Tuesday morning in California at the age of 37. Brennan played for Hawai'i from 2005-07 and was the focal point of one of the greatest eras in Rainbow Warrior football.  
 
The native of Irvine, Calif., set multiple school and NCAA records during a decorated career that also saw him become a Heisman Trophy finalist. His decision to forgo the NFL Draft and return for his senior season was a pivotal moment in program history and helped lead to an unforgettable 12-0 regular-season in 2007. That 2007 team is inducted in the UH Circle of Honor.
 
Statement from University of Hawai'i Athletics
"It's hard to put into words the impact that Colt Brennan had on Rainbow Warrior fans and the people of Hawai'i. 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 to our kupuna. 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 'ohana and we mourn together with all those across Hawai'i and Rainbow Warrior nation who were touched by Colt."   
 
Statement from the Brennan Family
"We know how much the islands meant to him. The Hawaiian people, they were his 'ohana. 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 Hawai'i and we are forever grateful for all they did for him."
 
Statement from UH Athletics Director David Matlin
"This news is incredibly saddening. I was always impressed with his love for Hawai'i and its people. He expressed how fortunate he was to have lived here and experienced the aloha this place and people shared with him. He was a special part of our program and we will miss him."
 
Statement from current UH Coach Todd Graham
"The Hawai'i football program is deeply saddened by the news of Colt Brennan passing. A great Warrior legend, rest in aloha. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
 
Statement from former Rainbow Warrior coach June Jones
 "It's just a sad day for all of Hawai'i. Colt was clearly the star of our program and what he did after the 2006 season by staying in school, said a lot about him and how he cared much more about Hawai'i and his teammates. That's something that doesn't happen anymore."
 
Statement from former UH assistant coach Rich Miano
"In my 42 years of being involved in this program I don't think there's ever been a player who's been more impactful on and off the field than Colt Brennan. On a national scale, he took this program to a place that it's never been. Colt was the impetus of the greatest days in University of Hawai'i history."
 
Statement from former UH teammate Mike Lafaele
 "Colt Brennan was the face of the program. I travel the country for a living and the first thing people reference is Colt Brennan. He resonated with a lot of people not only in Hawai'i but around the country. I remember the first time I met him, he had that swagger about him, super-confident, didn't care of what people thought and it really played out on the field. What a great leader he was on and off the field. When he spoke everyone respected him. He loved Hawai'i. He embraced the culture and the culture embraced him back. He had a lot of joy in his heart and that never changed from the day I met him."
 
Statement from former UH player and friend Gerald Welch
"He really embodied the Aloha spirit with his big heart. He loved my family and we loved him back."
 
Statement from Mike Iosua, Na Koa Board President
 "We were saddened to hear of the passing of former UH football quarterback and Heisman trophy finalist Colt Brennan.  Colt led the Warriors to new heights, including a 12-0 2007 season and appearance in the 2008 Sugar Bowl, and was a favorite of teammates and fans alike.  Our deepest sympathies to his family, teammates, and the Rainbow Warrior 'ohana."

Statement from former UH teammate Adam Leonard
"One of the things I grew to appreciate of Colt was how humble he was. He had a servant's heart, whatever the need was, if he had it, he was wiling to give it. That's what I'll remember of Colt. No matter the accolades he received or how famous he was, he was just a brother with us. He was willing to give anything. He will definitely be missed. He was the embodiment of the aloha spirit and I'm so blessed to be able to call him my teammate and friend."

Statement from former UH teammate Ryan Grice-Mullen
"You can't say enough about Colt, he was literally a football legend, and not just a Hawai'i legend. Anyone who knows Colt, he was one of the most humble, down to earth people you'll ever met. You wouldn't even know he played ball if you didn't know him. He loved the game but more than that, he loved being one of the guys. Living in Hawai'i fit his personality. He was a Heisman trophy player one day to hanging out at the beach, being a normal guy the next. He wasn't about the fame, he was just a kid living in Hawai'i. This is truly a tragic day."
 
Colt Brennan Accomplishments

• Broke or tied 31 NCAA records upon completion of his three-year career, including career touchdown passes (131), single-season touchdown passes (58 in 2006) and most touchdowns responsible for in a career (146).
• Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award in 2007. Also named third-team Associated Press All-American.
• In 2006, captured the Sammy Baugh Award, was a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and Cingular National Player of the Year, and was sixth in the Heisman race.
• Two-time WAC Offensive Player of the Year (2006 and '07) and two-time, first team all-WAC.
• Posted 30 career games with 300 or more yards passing, 20 career games with 400 or more yards, and four career games with 500 or more yards.
• Set a then school-record 559 yards passing against Arizona State in the 2006 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.
• Led the nation in total offense (422.5), touchdown passes (58), passing efficiency (185.96), points responsible for (27.7), completion percentage (72.6%), passing yards (5,549) and passing yards per game (396.4) during record-breaking 2006 season. Broke or tied 20 NCAA records, 17 WAC records and 41 school records that year.