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By BEN FROTSCHER
UI Foundation
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Brett Greenwood is the epitome of University of Iowa football. His determination, passion, and work ethic as a walk-on for the Hawkeyes was, and continues to be, an inspiration for student-athletes.
While at Iowa, Greenwood — a native of Bettendorf, Iowa — became a fan favorite as a defensive back. He was a three-year starter and team captain, and during his senior season, Greenwood led the Big Ten Conference in interceptions. But, one year after his final game at Kinnick Stadium, Greenwood suddenly collapsed during a workout and suffered significant brain trauma.
Since that unfortunate day in 2011, Greenwood has spent thousands of hours in rehabilitation — continuing to defy the odds. Last season during the Hawkeyes’ historic run to the Rose Bowl, Greenwood showed just how far he has come in four years — leading the swarm as the Hawkeyes took the field against Pittsburgh. It proved to be one of the most emotional and electric moments of the Hawkeyes’ 2015 season.
“To see the progress Brett has made illustrates the same determination we saw from him as a player,” UI head football coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He’s an amazing young man.”
Greenwood continues to display the grit and fight that he did while wearing the Hawkeye uniform. It’s in this same spirit that the I-Club is working to endow the Brett Greenwood Athletic Scholarship.
The Brett Greenwood Scholarship will help provide educational support for one student-athlete on a yearly basis while honoring a Hawkeye great. This annual scholarship will go to a deserving student-athlete who best exhibits Greenwood’s determination and strong will, and to help in this endeavor, the Iowa Football Club is matching the first $25,000 in gifts to support this scholarship.
“Together we will provide financial support every year to a student-athlete who follows in Brett’s footsteps with courage and determination,” said Bill Happel (1986 B.B.A.), an Iowa Football Club board member and UI football letterwinner. “But, we need the help of loyal and generous Hawkeyes to make it happen.”
Visit GreenwoodFund.org for more information and to make a gift in support of deserving student-athletes like Greenwood.
