Former Colorado OL Returns to Finish Degree 50 Years After Leaving the Program

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Colorado legend Pete Brock achieved a lot in football. But one dream remained unfinished for 50 years. The former Colorado lineman returned to Folsom Field to complete his degree, showing that some goals stay alive in the heart no matter how much time passes.

The Patriots drafted Pete Brock 12th overall in 1976. He carved out a massive legacy in New England, eventually winning the Ed Block Courage Award. Today, he serves as the President of the Patriots Alumni Club. Getting a chance to play in the NFL meant Brock had to give up his academic work, but in the back of his mind, he wanted to complete his studies.

All that brings us to one question: even after having such a successful career, why did Brock choose to complete his degree? Well, the answer is simple. For Brock, checking this box wasn’t just about the diploma. The determination that brought him back to Folsom Field.

“The goal was never just to finish a degree,” Brock stated. “It was to finish it at Colorado.”

Interestingly, he chooses to complete it in 2026, exactly 50 years after leaving college. Brock studied hard and finished 42 credits in one year, and even earned a 3.57 GPA. So, it’s pretty clear that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

Well, it all wouldn’t have been possible if Brock had not made his decision to come to Colorado. He first decided to go to Notre Dame, but after visiting Boulder, it became his ultimate destination. He arrived in the early 1970s and quickly became part of a strong and improving football team. Brock played under coaches Eddie Crowder and Bill Mallory, and the team focused on being tough and working together.

One of his standout memories came in Norman, when an unbeaten Colorado squad clashed with an undefeated Oklahoma team. The game showed the team’s strength, toughness, and fighting spirit, which left a lasting mark on all of them.

“That was the epitome of CU football,” Brock said. “Smash-mouth, wear defenses out. It didn’t matter the score; we were coming after you.”

He also left a lasting legacy at Colorado, as his family, too, became a big part of the program. After him, his brothers Willie and Stan Brock joined the program too. This way, his return to the team and decision to complete his degree became firmer and more solid. His excellence was clearly visible in the NFL, too, as he was part of a very strong team that ran the ball extremely well and even helped set an NFL record in 1978 that lasted for over 40 years.