​With his dynamic personality and infectious smile, it’s easy to see why Rocco Becht’s teammates at Iowa State and now at Penn State are drawn to him. He comes across as engaging, friendly, and open, even to strangers. Spend a few minutes with him, and you’ll notice not only his warmth but also the seven colorful bracelets circling his wrists. Each one carries meaning for Becht, though none more significant than the blue bracelet with gold lettering that reads, “Share Your Ivan Smile.”
Ivan is Becht’s younger cousin, born with Down syndrome. He passed away suddenly four years ago at the age of six due to an undiagnosed heart condition. “There wasn’t a day that would go by without that kid smiling,” Becht said. “He’s honestly one of my biggest whys. He wasn’t able to do what other kids could do, but he always smiled. For me to go out there and play my heart out for him is something I strive for every single day.”
Becht is a pivotal figure on the Penn State roster and is unquestionably the team leader, not only because he plays quarterback but also because there’s no proven depth behind him. After shoulder surgery in the winter and a transfer to Penn State to remain with new head coach Matt Campbell, he’s regained his health and is once again showcasing his charisma. “We are so talented,” Becht said. “As soon as everything comes together, we’re going to be a pretty special team. I’m just happy to be a part of it and to lead these guys. I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
Becht’s father, Anthony Becht, was a standout tight end at Monsignor Bonner High School in Delaware County and at West Virginia, and he was a first-round NFL pick in 2000. He played 11 seasons with the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs. Now the coach of the UFL’s Orlando Storm, he marvels at his son’s demeanor and leadership. “He’s incredibly selfless,” Anthony Becht said. “He understands that when you’re selfless, you get tenfold reward on the back end. He’s got that. Guys follow him. Guys want to be around him. That’s huge, man. Those are big things when it comes to football.”
Campbell, offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, and quarterback coach Jake Waters all describe Becht as a connector—someone who can bring an entire team together with his magnetism. He has little trouble unifying people, a vital trait on a Penn State roster that features 50 returners, 40 transfers, and 19 incoming recruits. “He’s a very relatable person,” Mouser noted. “He has no ego. He’s a guy who can come in here and talk to you, talk to me, talk to the players. He’s been around football for a long time. He’s interacted with a lot of different people from different places—rich people, poor people, old people, young people and everyone in between. He can connect with a lot of people.”