"Patience is hard," says Dordt senior running back Brendan Pieper.

Full Interview on Defender Discussions

For Pieper, patience isn't just about waiting to get back on the field—it's about trusting that there's purpose in the process. "It's really difficult for someone who always wants to go," he admits. "But sometimes you just have to sit back and let things heal like they're supposed to. Especially when your team's playing well, and you want so badly to be part of it."

That's been Pieper's challenge this fall—balancing his natural competitiveness with a perspective shaped by four years of growth at Dordt.

Pieper's journey to Dordt started in an unexpected way.

"Honestly, it was Northwestern that reached out to me first," he says. "When they did, I just started looking at other schools in the area, and Dordt really caught my eye. I reached out, got connected with Coach McCormick, and that's when the recruiting process really started."

The New Prague, Minnesota, native—about 45 minutes southwest of Minneapolis—played both sides of the ball in high school, as a running back and linebacker. His senior season ended with a rare home playoff win.

Still, nothing quite prepared him for college football.

"It was a big adjustment," Pieper says. "The biggest difference was the speed of the game—it took me a few games to catch up."

But once he did, he made an immediate impact. In just his second game as a freshman, Pieper broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown against Morningside—his first collegiate score and a moment that still stands out.

"I just remember following my blockers—Parker Beck was out in front—and when I saw that hole open up, I just hit it. It was my longest touchdown and a great confidence boost early in my career."

Four seasons later, Pieper has become part of a running back room known for its depth, competitiveness, and camaraderie.

"I think that's what makes our group special," he says. "Everyone's competing, but we all want what's best for each other. We try to honor each other—and the Lord—in the way we work and compete."

That mindset—"audience of one," as the team often says—reflects the program's larger purpose.

"Our coaches really build a culture that makes you want to grow in your faith," Pieper says. "We talk about playing not on trial but on display. You can play freely, knowing you're loved and cared for by the Lord."

Faith has become a cornerstone for Pieper during his time at Dordt.

"Here, I've learned that faith isn't just a Sunday activity—it's something you live every day. My roommates, my teammates, the people I've surrounded myself with—they all want to grow spiritually, and that's made a huge impact on me," said Pieper

Off the field, Pieper's found his direction academically as well. He began as a computer science major but quickly discovered his passion for accounting and finance. After two internships with a local accounting firm, he's already accepted a full-time offer for after graduation.

"It's been a great experience," he says. "Those internships gave me a good picture of what the field is really like and helped me figure out where I want to start my career."

Now, as his senior season winds down, Pieper's focus is on finishing strong—both in faith and football. Even while recovering from an injury, he stays connected, encouraging teammates and trusting in what's ahead.

"The longer we play, the better we get," he says. "That's been our mindset all season—focus on the next team, keep improving, and trust that God's got a plan for all of it."