Jan. 7, 2016
Adam Breneman's Letter to the Penn State Faithful
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. - Tight end Adam Breneman (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) will conclude his Penn State football career due to a chronic knee injury. Breneman graduated in just three years in December with a degree in business management from Penn State's Smeal College of Business and will pursue professional opportunities in business or politics this spring.
"I want to thank Coach [Bill] O'Brien, Coach [James] Franklin, my teammates and the Penn State fans for the great memories over the last three years," Breneman said. "I have truly treasured my time as a Nittany Lion and I am confident that the Penn State experience has prepared me for the next phase of my life."
"I know that it was a difficult for Adam to step away from the game, but he felt it was the right time," Head Coach James Franklin said. "We are so proud of his work in the classroom, having earned his degree in three years. Adam is a special young man that has left his imprint on not only the Penn State football program, but the Penn State community at large. He has been a difference maker at a very young age and has a bright future ahead of him."
As a true freshman, Breneman played in 11 games and was one of 12 true freshmen of make their debuts during the 2013 season. One of four true freshmen to start that season, Breneman had 15 catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns. On the game's first possession at Wisconsin, Breneman caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Christian Hackenberg to ignite the Penn State offense for a 31-24 upset win. The 68-yard touchdown catch is the second-longest by a tight end in Penn State history. Breneman missed all of the 2014 season with a knee injury. He battled through chronic knee issues in 2015, playing in two games. Following spring practice of 2015, Breneman was awarded the Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award for his efforts in all facets of the program, on and off the field.
In the classroom, Breneman graduated with a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average and earned his degree from Smeal College of Business in just three years. He plans to pursue a career in business or politics.
Off the field, Breneman has served on the executive board of Uplifting Athletes for the past three years, most recently serving as Vice President. He helped the chapter raise more than $1 million for kidney cancer treatment. In 2015, Breneman was courted by athletic director Sandy Barbour to join Penn State's Athletic Director's Leadership Institute. Additionally, he was voted by his teammates to serve on the Penn State football leadership council.
Breneman has been honored for his creation of the "Catch the Cure for A.L.S." initiative as a high school senior. "Catch the Cure" was inspired by family friend, Tom Kirchhoff, and has raised more than $200,000 to benefit Project A.L.S. Breneman received the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, as well as the 2013 PA NAIFA Humanitarian Award for his efforts.
Penn State season ticket renewals and Nittany Lion Club membership renewals also are underway for the 2016 campaign. The ticket invoice and Nittany Lion Club renewal deadline is Feb. 1, 2015. There will not be any increase in the price of Penn State football season tickets or Nittany Lion Club donation levels for next season. For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and purchasing new 2016 season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit PSUnrivaled.com, call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office weekdays from 10 a.m-6 p.m.