He was moved to the offensive line as a junior. He served as a team captain and was a two-time first-team All-district at the offensive line. He was regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and was listed as the No. 15 center prospect in his class.[1]
As a junior in 2014, he was the team's most experienced offensive lineman. After missing the season opener against Virginia with a knee injury, he returned to start the rest of the season.[7] Brendel was named to the All-Pac-12 Conference second-team.[8]
He requested an evaluation of his NFL draft stock, but decided to return for his senior year,[7] when he again earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors.[9] The three-time team captain finished his UCLA career with a school record of 52 starts.[10] Brendel graduated from UCLA in Spring 2015 with a degree in Business Economics. He was named to the first-team All-Pac-12 Academic team.
Brendel was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2016 NFL draft on May 6.[10] On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Cowboys.[13] The next day, he was signed to the Cowboys' practice squad.[14] He was released from the practice squad with an injury settlement on September 29.[15]
Miami Dolphins
On October 11, 2016, Brendel was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad.[16] He was promoted to the active roster on November 19.[17] He appeared in one game.
In 2017, he appeared in all 16 games as a backup center.
On September 2, 2018, Brendel was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury.[18] He was activated off injured reserve on November 2.[19] He played in four games, starting three at left guard and center due to injuries. He was placed back on injured reserve with a calf injury on December 12, 2018.[20]
Denver Broncos
On April 18, 2019, Brendel signed with the Denver Broncos.[21] He was released on August 31.[22]
Baltimore Ravens
On November 27, 2019, Brendel was signed by the Baltimore Ravens, but was released three days later on November 30.[23]
On August 31, 2021, Brendel was waived during final roster cuts.[26]
On March 9, 2022, Brendel re-signed with the 49ers.[27] He was named the 49ers starting center for 2022, starting all 17 games.
On March 15, 2023, Brendel signed a four-year contract extension with the 49ers.[28] Brendel was a starter in Super Bowl LVIII. The 49ers lost to the Chiefs 25–22 in overtime.[29]
