Last Updated on October 19, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Jake Brendel’s family has played an important role in his journey from college football at UCLA to becoming the starting center for the San Francisco 49ers. Born Jacob William Brendel on September 10, 1992, in Madison, Wisconsin, the NFL veteran grew up in a family that valued sports, education, music, and community involvement.
Jake Brendel is married to Zan Brendel, whom he met while attending UCLA. The couple have two children, Frankie Austin and Bo Moss Brendel. His parents are Bill Brendel and Carol Koch, while his only sibling is an older sister named Lauren Brendel, who served in the United States Air Force. Here is everything publicly known about Jake Brendel’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Jake Brendel’s Wife: Who Is Zan Brendel?
Jake Brendel’s wife is Zan Brendel, a former University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) student who has supported the San Francisco 49ers center throughout his professional football career.
Zan grew up in Centerville, Tennessee, and previously held the title of Miss Hickman County.
Her mother, Lori Pullen, works in human resources for the Town of Centerville and has publicly discussed her daughter’s relationship with the NFL player.
Although Zan has maintained a relatively private professional life, she frequently appears at San Francisco 49ers games and social events alongside other players’ wives.
She has also participated in charitable activities connected to the football organization.
In 2022, Zan and Jake received recognition from the San Francisco 49ers for their community involvement.
The couple received the team’s Community Relations Service Family Award after contributing to initiatives supporting families and local communities.
How Did Jake Brendel and Zan Meet?
Jake Brendel and Zan met while attending UCLA and began dating in 2014.
Their relationship started during Jake’s college football career, when he was establishing himself as one of the Bruins’ most dependable offensive linemen.
According to their wedding photographer, Katie Byrd, they developed a close relationship through shared interests, including outdoor activities, mountain biking, and visiting local breweries.
When Jake began pursuing a professional football career after leaving UCLA, Zan continued supporting him through the uncertainty of NFL roster decisions and team changes.
The relationship continued as Brendel spent time with several NFL organizations before eventually establishing himself with the San Francisco 49ers.
When Did Jake Brendel Get Married?
Jake Brendel and Zan married in Nashville, Tennessee, in the early 2020s. Sports Illustrated reports that the couple have been married since 2021.
Their wedding took place at Saint Elle, an event venue in Nashville.
Photographer Katie Byrd documented the celebration, which featured an elegant indoor setting decorated with flowers and a mixture of black, sage, blush, and cream colors.
The wedding brought together family members and friends who had supported the couple throughout their relationship.
One memorable detail involved Zan arranging a personalized gift from one of the couple’s favorite breweries.
She surprised Jake with customized beer packaging designed specifically for their wedding celebration.
The event reflected their shared interests and marked an important milestone in a relationship that began during their college years.
As of now, Jake and Zan Brendel remain married and have built a family together with their two children.
Jake Brendel’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Jake Brendel has two children with his wife, Zan Brendel: Frankie Austin Brendel and Bo Moss Brendel.
Their first child was born in January 2023, while their second child arrived in July 2025.
Brendel has occasionally shared family milestones publicly, particularly through social media updates celebrating the arrival of his children.
Frankie Austin Brendel – Jake Brendel’s First Child
Frankie Austin Brendel is Jake and Zan Brendel’s first child.
Frankie was born in January 2023, making the couple first-time parents during an important stage of Jake’s professional football career.
At the time, Brendel had recently completed his first season as San Francisco’s full-time starting center.
Becoming a father introduced new responsibilities alongside the demands of playing in the NFL.
Jake and Zan have shared selected moments from their family life while generally protecting their children’s privacy.
Frankie’s arrival was an important milestone for the couple, who had been together since their college years.
Bo Moss Brendel – Jake Brendel’s Second Child
Bo Moss Brendel is Jake and Zan Brendel’s second child.
Bo was born in July 2025, approximately two and a half years after Frankie.
The arrival was reported by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in a feature about the wives and partners of San Francisco 49ers players.
Jake celebrated the birth on social media, expressing appreciation for the newest member of their family.
His announcement highlighted the happiness of becoming a family of four.
As of now, Frankie Austin and Bo Moss are Jake Brendel’s two publicly documented children. There have been no verified announcements establishing that he has welcomed additional children.
Jake Brendel’s Parents: Meet Bill Brendel and Carol Koch
Jake Brendel’s parents are Bill Brendel and Carol Koch. Their names are confirmed by UCLA Athletics and the San Francisco 49ers’ official media guides.
Jake was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and spent much of his childhood in Waunakee, where the family participated in sports and community theater.
His parents later divorced, and he eventually moved to Texas with his mother.
Who Is Jake Brendel’s Father, Bill Brendel?
Bill Brendel is Jake Brendel’s father and an important influence on his childhood.
Bill encouraged his children’s involvement in various activities, including sports and local musical theater.
In a November 2015 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he discussed the family’s participation in a community production of the musical Annie.
Bill played Daddy Warbucks, while Jake and his older sister Lauren participated in supporting roles.
He recalled that Jake enjoyed dancing and singing, an interesting contrast to the physical playing style he later developed as an NFL offensive lineman.
Bill also helped introduce his children to competitive sports through informal family games.
One activity involved placing a football on the ground and encouraging Jake and Lauren to compete to recover it.
These games helped develop Jake’s competitive personality and strengthened his relationship with his sister.
Bill continued supporting his son’s football career after Jake moved to Texas and eventually joined UCLA.
He attended important college football events, including Jake’s senior recognition ceremony at the Rose Bowl in November 2015.
Although Bill has discussed his family in interviews, detailed information about his professional occupation remains limited in major sports publications.
Who Is Jake Brendel’s Mother, Carol Koch?
Carol Koch is Jake Brendel’s mother and another important influence in his upbringing.
Her name is documented in UCLA’s official football biography, which identifies her and Bill Brendel as Jake’s parents.
Carol was involved in community musical theater during Jake’s childhood in Wisconsin.
According to family accounts published by the Los Angeles Times, she served as a musical director for productions involving her husband and children.
This environment introduced Jake to music, acting, and performance alongside his sporting interests.
Following the separation of his parents, Jake moved to Texas with Carol.
He attended Plano East Senior High School, where he developed into a highly regarded offensive lineman.
His move to Texas represented an important transition in his childhood and football development.
Although Carol has maintained a relatively private public profile, her role in his upbringing and relocation to Texas is documented in interviews about his college career.
Jake Brendel’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Jake Brendel has one sibling, an older sister named Lauren Brendel.
Lauren served in the United States Air Force and has been publicly recognized for her military service and close relationship with her younger brother.
There is no publicly documented brother in Jake’s immediate family.
Lauren Brendel – Jake Brendel’s Older Sister
Lauren Brendel is Jake Brendel’s older sister and a former University of Wisconsin student who pursued a career in the United States Air Force.
Lauren participated in the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program during college before entering military service.
Her career included assignments outside the United States and a six-month deployment to Afghanistan.
During her deployment, she maintained contact with Jake, who was playing college football at UCLA.
Despite the distance between them, the siblings regularly communicated and supported each other’s ambitions.
In interviews with the Los Angeles Times, Jake described Lauren as an especially important influence following their parents’ divorce.
He explained that his older sister assumed additional responsibilities during his childhood and provided guidance when he needed support.
Their relationship became particularly meaningful during Jake’s final college football season.
Lauren Brendel’s Special Gesture During Jake’s UCLA Senior Day
In November 2015, Lauren made a memorable decision to support her brother.
She had recently been promoted to captain in the United States Air Force, and her ceremonial promotion event was scheduled for the same weekend as Jake’s senior recognition ceremony at UCLA.
Rather than attending the military ceremony, Lauren traveled to California to be present when Jake was honored at the Rose Bowl.
Her decision was particularly meaningful because military assignments had previously prevented her from attending many of his games.
The ceremony took place during UCLA’s Military Appreciation Day, adding another connection to Lauren’s professional service.
Jake publicly expressed his appreciation for his sister’s decision.
Lauren explained that military promotions could occur again, but her brother would experience his college senior recognition only once.
The moment highlighted the close relationship between the siblings and the importance they placed on supporting one another.
Jake Brendel’s Childhood and Family Background
Jake Brendel was born on September 10, 1992, in Madison, Wisconsin.
He spent much of his childhood in Waunakee before eventually moving to Texas.
Growing up, Jake participated in several sports, including football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, wrestling, and competitive swimming.
He also enjoyed musical theater, participating in productions with his family.
After relocating to Texas, Jake attended Plano East Senior High School.
During his high school football career, he initially played defensive line before transitioning to offensive line.
He developed into one of the school’s leading players, earning First-Team All-District recognition during his junior and senior seasons.
As a senior, he recorded 71 knockdown blocks and did not allow a sack, according to his UCLA athletics biography.
His performances attracted interest from college football programs, eventually leading him to the University of California, Los Angeles.
Jake Brendel’s College Football Career at UCLA
Jake Brendel joined the UCLA Bruins football program in 2011.
He redshirted during his first season before becoming the team’s starting center in 2012.
Brendel quickly developed a reputation for his leadership, intelligence, and ability to organize the offensive line.
He became one of UCLA’s most dependable players, serving as a team captain during multiple seasons.
During his college career, he started 52 games at center and earned All-Pac-12 recognition.
His leadership was particularly important because the center is responsible for making blocking adjustments and coordinating communication along the offensive line.
Brendel also demonstrated strong academic ability, earning recognition on UCLA’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
He studied economics while developing his professional football ambitions.
By the end of his college career in 2015, he had established himself as a potential NFL player.
Jake Brendel’s NFL Career With the San Francisco 49ers
Jake Brendel entered the NFL in 2016 after going undrafted.
He initially signed with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Miami Dolphins.
During the early stages of his professional career, Brendel spent time with several teams, including the Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Baltimore Ravens.
He joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 and gradually developed into an important member of the offensive line.
His breakthrough came in 2022, when he became San Francisco’s starting center following the retirement of veteran offensive lineman Alex Mack.
Brendel started all 17 regular-season games that year and helped protect quarterback Brock Purdy during the team’s successful playoff run.
His performances earned him the 49ers’ Bobb McKittrick Award, which recognizes an offensive lineman who demonstrates dedication, toughness, and sacrifice.
He also received recognition alongside his wife, Zan, for their contributions to community service.
In March 2023, San Francisco signed Brendel to a four-year contract extension.
He continued contributing to the team’s offensive line during subsequent seasons, helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII.
As of now, Brendel remains a San Francisco 49ers center, wearing jersey number 64.
Jake Brendel’s Charity Work and Community Involvement
Outside professional football, Jake Brendel has supported charitable causes, including the Living for Zachary Foundation.
The organization was established in memory of Zachary Schraw, a former high school football teammate who died from sudden cardiac arrest in 2009.
The foundation works to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes and supports access to lifesaving medical equipment.
Brendel represented the organization through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.
He has explained that the foundation’s work is personally meaningful because of his connection to Zachary and his family.
Jake and Zan have also supported other initiatives through the San Francisco 49ers’ community relations programs.
Their participation earned recognition from the franchise for contributions made to the Bay Area community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Brendel’s Family
Who is Jake Brendel’s girlfriend?
Jake Brendel does not have a girlfriend because he is married. His wife is Zan Brendel, whom he met while attending UCLA. The couple began dating in 2014.
Who is Jake Brendel’s wife?
Jake Brendel’s wife is Zan Brendel, a former Miss Hickman County from Tennessee. They married in Nashville and have two children together.
When did Jake Brendel get married?
Jake Brendel and Zan married in the early 2020s at Saint Elle in Nashville, Tennessee. Sports Illustrated reports that they have been married since 2021.
How many children does Jake Brendel have?
Jake Brendel has two children with his wife, Zan: Frankie Austin Brendel, born in January 2023, and Bo Moss Brendel, born in July 2025.
Who is Jake Brendel’s daughter?
Jake Brendel’s daughter is Frankie Austin Brendel, his first child, born in January 2023.
Who is Bo Moss Brendel?
Bo Moss Brendel is Jake and Zan Brendel’s second child, born in July 2025.
Who are Jake Brendel’s parents?
Jake Brendel’s parents are Bill Brendel and Carol Koch. They raised their children in Wisconsin before Jake moved to Texas with his mother.
Who is Jake Brendel’s father?
Jake Brendel’s father is Bill Brendel, who participated in community theater and supported his children’s athletic interests.
Who is Jake Brendel’s mother?
Jake Brendel’s mother is Carol Koch, who was involved in musical theater and later moved to Texas with her son.
How many siblings does Jake Brendel have?
Jake Brendel has one sibling, an older sister named Lauren Brendel, who served in the United States Air Force.
Who is Jake Brendel’s sister?
Jake Brendel’s older sister is Lauren Brendel, a University of Wisconsin graduate and former Air Force officer who served in Afghanistan.
Where is Jake Brendel from?
Jake Brendel was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and spent part of his childhood in Waunakee before moving to Texas and attending Plano East Senior High School.
How old is Jake Brendel?
Jake Brendel was born on September 10, 1992. He is 34 years old.
What NFL team does Jake Brendel play for?
Jake Brendel plays center for the San Francisco 49ers. He joined the franchise in 2020 and became the team’s starting center in 2022.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
