University of Northern Iowa Athletics

Brawntae Wells Honored by Institute for Sport and Social Justice
10/1/2019 5:41:00 PM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Institute for Sport and Social Justice named UNI defensive end Brawntae Wells the October Playmaker of the Month for his work on the field and in the community.
"I'm committed to changing lives and making a positive impact in our community," Wells said. "I understand that as a student-athlete, I have a unique platform that I can use to really help people."
Wells has been a very positive role model for the youth, especially delinquent youth, in the Waterloo community where he works as a volunteer youth mentor with the Juvenile Court Services in Waterloo and at the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center.
His passion is to build relationships and guide young men of color, teaching them how to make better life choices and get out of the judicial system. Wells also volunteers at Tomorrow's Leaders/Uplift Foundation, Center of Attention where he has designed weekly curriculum to help young participants understand the importance of goal setting, responsible social media use, building healthy relationships, and good decision-making skills.
Wells volunteers at Tomorrow's Leaders Youth After School Program where he assists with academic success and positive interactions among diverse groups.
He serves on the Minority Student-Athlete Leadership Team at UNI. This team is responsible for assisting in strengthening the student-athlete community, growing personal and professional networks, and encouraging multicultural student-athletes through hosting social activities and guest speakers.
Wells maintains a 3.344 GPA and he is on pace to graduate in 2020 with a degree in Family Services and a minor in Criminology. He plans to work within the Polk County Juvenile Detention services.
On the field, Wells has a pair of pass breakups and a tackle for loss so far this season. He also has eight total tackles.
The ISSJ's mission is to use the power of sport to effect positive social change, educate and empower individuals and organizations by inspiring values-based thinking leading to actions that promote social responsibility and equality.
The ISSJ's partners include the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA, WNBA, NASCAR, MLS and ESPN.
"I'm committed to changing lives and making a positive impact in our community," Wells said. "I understand that as a student-athlete, I have a unique platform that I can use to really help people."
Wells has been a very positive role model for the youth, especially delinquent youth, in the Waterloo community where he works as a volunteer youth mentor with the Juvenile Court Services in Waterloo and at the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center.
His passion is to build relationships and guide young men of color, teaching them how to make better life choices and get out of the judicial system. Wells also volunteers at Tomorrow's Leaders/Uplift Foundation, Center of Attention where he has designed weekly curriculum to help young participants understand the importance of goal setting, responsible social media use, building healthy relationships, and good decision-making skills.
Wells volunteers at Tomorrow's Leaders Youth After School Program where he assists with academic success and positive interactions among diverse groups.
He serves on the Minority Student-Athlete Leadership Team at UNI. This team is responsible for assisting in strengthening the student-athlete community, growing personal and professional networks, and encouraging multicultural student-athletes through hosting social activities and guest speakers.
Wells maintains a 3.344 GPA and he is on pace to graduate in 2020 with a degree in Family Services and a minor in Criminology. He plans to work within the Polk County Juvenile Detention services.
On the field, Wells has a pair of pass breakups and a tackle for loss so far this season. He also has eight total tackles.
The ISSJ's mission is to use the power of sport to effect positive social change, educate and empower individuals and organizations by inspiring values-based thinking leading to actions that promote social responsibility and equality.
The ISSJ's partners include the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA, WNBA, NASCAR, MLS and ESPN.
Players Mentioned
DL
/ FootballPST: 1975 Football Team - 2025 UNI Athletics Hall of FamePST: 1975 Football Team - 2025 UNI Athletics Hall of Fame
Friday, December 12
Owen Chandler Press Conference - Dec. 8, 2025.Owen Chandler Press Conference - Dec. 8, 2025.
Wednesday, December 10
PST: 2025 MVFC All-Conference HonorsPST: 2025 MVFC All-Conference Honors
Friday, December 05
PST: Matt Pedersen - 2025 UNI Athletics Hall of Fame InducteePST: Matt Pedersen - 2025 UNI Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
Friday, December 05




