Jake Brendel Bio
Jake Brendel is an American professional football center for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 299 pounds, Brendel has built a steady career as an interior offensive lineman since entering the league in 2016. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, where he became one of the most experienced centers in program history.
Over the course of his NFL career, Brendel has also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Baltimore Ravens. A reliable presence in the middle of the offensive line, he earned recognition during his college years as a two-time Second-team All-Pac-12 selection. He has since become a key piece of the 49ers’ offensive front.
Early Life and Background
Jacob William Brendel was born on September 10, 1992, in Madison, Wisconsin. Although born in the Midwest, he grew up in Plano, Texas, and considers the Dallas suburb his hometown. He attended Plano East Senior High School, where he developed into a highly regarded offensive line prospect.
During his first two years at Plano East, Brendel played as a defensive tackle before making the switch to the offensive line as a junior. The position change proved to be a defining moment in his development, and he thrived on the other side of the football. He served as a team captain and earned two first-team All-District honors on the offensive line, finishing his prep career as a three-star recruit ranked among the top center prospects in his class by Rivals.com.
Path to Professional Football
Brendel joined the UCLA Bruins and redshirted his first year on campus before spring practice opened the door to early playing time. In 2012, he started all 14 games at center as a redshirt freshman, an unusually fast ascent that established him as a long-term anchor of the offensive line. He collected first-team Freshman All-America recognition from The Sporting News, CBSSports.com, and the Football Writers Association of America.
As a junior in 2014, Brendel was the Bruins’ most experienced offensive lineman. He missed the season opener against Virginia with a knee injury but returned to start the remainder of the schedule and was named to the All-Pac-12 Conference second team. He considered entering the NFL Draft early, but returned for his senior year, where he again earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors. A three-time team captain, Brendel finished his UCLA career with a school-record 52 starts and graduated in Spring 2015 with a degree in Business Economics. He was also named to the first-team All-Pac-12 Academic team.
Jake Brendel Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Following the 2016 NFL Draft, Brendel was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on May 6. His initial stay in Dallas was brief, as he was released on September 3 and re-signed to the practice squad one day later. An injury settlement ended his Cowboys practice-squad tenure in late September, opening the door for his next opportunity.
On October 11, 2016, Brendel joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on November 19, appearing in one game. In 2017, he played in all 16 games as a backup center, building the experience that would later define his role. A calf injury placed him on injured reserve in September 2018, and after returning in November, he started three games at left guard and center before another calf injury ended his season in December.
Dolphins and Broncos Stop (2019)
Brendel signed with the Denver Broncos on April 18, 2019, hoping to earn a roster spot in a new system. The Broncos released him on August 31, however, ending his Denver stay during final cuts. He landed briefly with the Baltimore Ravens on November 27, 2019, but was released three days later on November 30, closing out a turbulent 2019 campaign.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2020–Present)
Brendel signed with the San Francisco 49ers on February 7, 2020, beginning the most stable chapter of his professional career. He announced on August 6 that he would opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he was waived during final roster cuts in August 2021. The 49ers re-signed him on March 9, 2022, and he responded with a career-defining year, starting all 17 games at center.
On March 15, 2023, Brendel signed a four-year contract extension with the 49ers, cementing his role as the team’s long-term starter at center. That season he started in Super Bowl LVIII, where the 49ers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 25–22 in overtime. As of the 2024 season, Brendel had appeared in 88 career NFL games with 54 starts, a testament to his durability and value to the franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Brendel is recognized for his intelligence, communication skills, and steady technique at the center position, where pre-snap reads and calls are central to the job. His size and length allow him to anchor against powerful nose tackles in the run game, while his experience at guard gives the 49ers flexibility along the interior line. Pairing that football IQ with the discipline forged across multiple teams has made him a trusted figure in San Francisco’s offensive line room.
Notable Events and Milestones
Brendel’s most high-profile moment came as a starter in Super Bowl LVIII, playing on the NFL’s biggest stage for the 49ers. He also set a UCLA record with 52 career starts, a mark that highlighted his longevity in college. His 2022 return to San Francisco, followed by a four-year extension in 2023, stand as the two most important milestones of his professional career.
Jake Brendel Career Wins
Career win totals for Jake Brendel as an individual offensive lineman are not separately tracked, but his contributions to team success are well documented. His Super Bowl LVIII appearance with the 49ers and his run as a 17-game starter in 2022 represent the highlights of his professional resume. At the college level, he earned two Second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014 and 2015.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NFL, Brendel’s standout performances came at UCLA, where he was a Freshman All-American in 2012 and a three-time team captain. His 52 career starts set a school record, and his first-team All-Pac-12 Academic selection reflected his work in the classroom. These collegiate accomplishments laid the foundation for his eventual NFL role.
Jake Brendel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly verified details about Jake Brendel’s parents and immediate family are limited. He grew up in Plano, Texas, where he attended Plano East Senior High School, and his early development in the sport centered on his high school and college careers.
Personal Life
Brendel was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and later settled in the Plano, Texas, area before moving to California to attend UCLA. He graduated from UCLA in Spring 2015 with a degree in Business Economics. Publicly confirmed details about a spouse, partner, or children are not available in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Brendel remains the San Francisco 49ers’ starting center after signing a four-year contract extension in March 2023 that runs through 2027. With 88 games played and 54 starts under his belt through 2024, he brings veteran leadership to an offensive line tasked with protecting the 49ers’ quarterback and powering the run game. His experience and durability position him as a foundational piece of the team’s blocking unit.
The 49ers’ 2025 outlook depends heavily on the play of the interior offensive line, where Brendel’s communication and technique shape the unit’s success. Coming off a Super Bowl LVIII start, he carries playoff experience that few centers in the league can match. If he stays healthy, Brendel projects as a 17-game starter and a central figure in the 49ers’ run at another championship.
