Matt Behrendt

Matt Behrendt is a former professional gridiron football quarterback, best known for his record-setting collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He led the Warhawks to consecutive NCAA Division III national championships and won the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy in 2014 as the most outstanding player in Division III. Behrendt played professionally in the Arena Football League and the Indoor Football League.

Early life and education

Matt Behrendt was born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. He attended West Allis Central High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football and baseball. As the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, he earned All-Conference honors and demonstrated the leadership and arm talent that would define his later career. His performance attracted attention from several NCAA programs, ultimately leading him to commit to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, a perennial power in Division III athletics.

College career

Behrendt's career with the Warhawks was historically successful. After redshirting in 2010, he became the starter in 2012. Under the guidance of head coach Lance Leipold, he orchestrated one of the most potent offenses in the nation. His pinnacle came in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, where he led Whitewater to back-to-back NCAA Division III national titles, defeating Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl both years. In his 2014 senior season, he completed over 70% of his passes for 3,599 yards and 42 touchdowns against only seven interceptions, earning the Gagliardi Trophy and first-team All-American honors. He finished his collegiate career as the program's all-time leader in passing touchdowns and efficiency rating.

Professional career

Following his decorated college tenure, Behrendt entered the professional ranks. He was signed by the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League in 2015, making his debut in the indoor game. His AFL journey included stints with the Los Angeles KISS in 2016, the Washington Valor in 2017, and the Columbus Destroyers in 2018. In 2019, he played for the Albany Empire, helping the team win the ArenaBowl championship that season. After the AFL ceased operations, he joined the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League for the 2021 and 2022 seasons before retiring from professional football.

Career statistics

At the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Behrendt passed for 10,907 yards and 122 touchdowns over his career, setting multiple school records. In his professional indoor career, primarily in the Arena Football League, he accumulated several thousand passing yards and over 100 touchdown passes across his seasons with the Arizona Rattlers, Los Angeles KISS, Washington Valor, Columbus Destroyers, Albany Empire, and Frisco Fighters. His most notable professional achievement was winning ArenaBowl XXXII as a member of the Albany Empire in 2019.

Personal life

Since concluding his football career, Behrendt has remained in the Midwest. He has been involved in coaching and athletic development, often working with young quarterbacks. He is also a frequent speaker at football camps and community events in Wisconsin, reflecting on his journey from West Allis Central High School to a Gagliardi Trophy winner and professional champion.

Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:American football quarterbacks Category:Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks football players Category:Arena Football League players