A football star from California‘s Bay Area was tragically killed in a car wreck while driving home from college in a snow storm last week.
Bryant Rosas, 21, crashed in Colorado on December 13 while on his way home to San Jose from Benedictine College in Kansas.
On Monday, his friends and family members came together to remember the brother, son, and standout lineman who was planning on pursuing his NFL dreams.
‘He wanted to make it to the pro league, that was his biggest thing, he wanted to make it to the NFL and he had that drive in him,’ said Hector Rosas, Bryant’s brother.
Bryant Rosas, 21, crashed in Colorado on December 13 while on his way home to San Jose from Benedictine College in Kansas
Bryant (top left) hadn’t been home to see his family in five months
Bryant, a junior, spent the last year at Benedictine College and his family was anxiously awaiting his return after five months away.
‘I begged the lady to tell me that it was a lie,’ said Hector, describing the phone call he received to NBC Bay Area.
Bryant had been hundreds of miles into the 1,800-mile journey from Kansas when he hit a snowstorm shortly before he was planning to stop and stay with a cousin in Colorado.
While driving along Interstate 70 through the Rocky Mountain State, Bryant lost control of his vehicle and crashed.
‘I just kept repeating, “what’s going on, where is he? Is he OK?” And she told me he had just passed away,’ said Hector.
‘Last words were “I love you, see you soon,” said Hector.
The 21-year-old was making the treacherous 1,800 mile journey back to California when he lost control in Colorado on Interstate 70
Bryant was heading home to California from Benedictine College in Kansas when he crashed in the middle of a snow storm in Colorado
Bryant’s mother told local media he was cheerful and could light up any room, but more than anything, he loved football.
A GoFundMe created for the family to help cover funeral expenses echoed his mother and brother’s statements.
‘He was a nurturing overall person who loved his family and playing football,’ the description for the fundraiser reads.
‘Bryant always put others before him and made sure everyone felt included. He will be missed and loved eternally,’ the GoFundMe continues.
Within days, the fundraiser exceeded its $25,000 goal, quickly hitting $34,965.
His family said he had hoped to also become a counselor after graduating.
‘He was a nurturing overall person who loved his family and playing football,’ said the friend who set up a GoFundMe for the family
Head football coach for Benedictine Joel Osborn described the San Jose native as a hard worker and joyful person.
‘The kids respect him because he worked hard and he was always smiling and energetic and positive,’ Osborn told News Press.
A professor who had Bryant in her lifestyle fitness class also said the college junior was a present and respectful student who she admired.
‘From Bryant, I’ve received the gift of presence. The power of presence. When he showed up, he made eye-to-eye contact and he was really in the room connected and sensitive to what was going on … you could tell he came from a very loving family,” the professor said.
‘I went to elementary school and high school with both Bryant and Hector. I also played football with both brothers in high school. My condolences to you and your family Hector. R.I.P Bryant you always carried yourself with respect and kindness,’ wrote one person in a GoFundMe comment.
‘Bryant was in my English class at San Jose City College in the fall of 2020. I remember his enthusiasm and energy. I am grateful to have known him and deeply sorry for your loss,’ wrote another.
‘I go to BC and had class with Bryant. He always had the biggest smile and made me laugh. Every time I saw him on campus he would smile and wave and it would brighten my day. A truly amazing man,’ said one person who donated.
‘So glad I got to meet Bryant. I worked with him and would see him at football games. Such a great soul. Always laughs and smiles with him. May he rest in peace.’
Within days, a GoFundMe for the family to help cover funeral expenses exceeded its $25,000 goal, quickly hitting $34,965
Bryant had transferred to Benedictine College from San Jose City College in the spring.
The team he played for in California shared the sad news of his passing on social media in a heartfelt tribute to the ‘energetic’ and ‘amazing’ player.
‘It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of 2021 offensive linemen Bryant Rosas,’ the San Jose City College posted on Twitter.
‘We will miss your energetic personality, warm smile and locker room concerts. You were a great teammate, amazing friend and more importantly our brother. Rest easy #70’
Bryant’s former school remembered him in a post on Twitter just a day after his death
