UCLA Quarterback Legends Reunite for Charity Fundraiser

Two dozen former Bruins QBs, including Heisman winner Gary Beban, to gather for special event benefiting UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, gold, and white, conceptually representing the energy and legacy of UCLA's quarterback reunion event.A cubist interpretation of the reunion of UCLA's legendary quarterbacks, their shared history and camaraderie captured in a dynamic, fragmented visual.Pasadena Today

A group of 24 former UCLA quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winner Gary Beban and other notable alumni like Tom Ramsey and Cade McNown, are reuniting this weekend for a charity fundraiser to benefit UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. The event, organized by ex-Bruin QB Patrick Cowan, will feature a visit to the hospital, a luncheon, and an evening program with the quarterbacks in attendance.

Why it matters

The reunion and fundraiser highlight the enduring legacy of UCLA's storied quarterback tradition, with many of the program's most celebrated players coming together to support a worthy cause. The event also provides a unique opportunity for current Bruins QB Nico Iamaleava to interact with and learn from the school's quarterback legends.

The details

The quarterbacks are scheduled to visit children at the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital on Friday before gathering for a luncheon at their favorite hangout spot, Phil Trani's in Long Beach. On Saturday, they will attend UCLA's football practice and then reconvene at the Luskin Center on campus for an evening event featuring a panel discussion emceed by UCLA radio broadcaster Josh Lewin. Ramsey and McNown will be the keynote speakers.

  • The inaugural event was planned for 2020 but was pushed back to 2023 due to the pandemic.
  • This will be the second fundraiser hosted by the UCLA quarterback club.
  • The event is scheduled for this weekend, April 13-14, 2026.

The players

Gary Beban

The 1967 Heisman Trophy winner and only Heisman recipient in UCLA history, Beban was a dynamic quarterback known as 'The Great One' who led the Bruins to a 24-5-2 record over three seasons.

Tom Ramsey

The star quarterback of UCLA's 1983 Rose Bowl-winning team.

Cade McNown

The only quarterback from either UCLA or USC to go 4-0 as the starter in the crosstown rivalry.

Patrick Cowan

A former Bruins quarterback and the primary organizer of the quarterback reunion event.

Nico Iamaleava

The current UCLA quarterback who will have the opportunity to interact with the school's quarterback legends during the event.

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What they’re saying

“We have guys flying in from all over the country, and I still get giddy being able to hang out with these guys because I remember watching them and they were my heroes and even the guys that have played after me, it's been fun to cheer for them.”

— Patrick Cowan, Former UCLA quarterback and event organizer

“The opportunity provided by the UCLA quarterback club event uniquely transfers the time, bruises and results spent playing a game to provide financial support promoting scientific advancements and health care for youngsters in need of life-enhancing solutions and discoveries. I have found it very personally fulfilling to experience the ease one has to exercise to rally UCLA quarterbacks to huddle and share their good fortunes with their teammates and supporters for such a worthwhile cause.”

— Gary Beban, 1967 Heisman Trophy winner

What’s next

The quarterbacks will attend UCLA's football practice on Saturday before the evening event at the Luskin Center, where they will be honored and share their stories.

The takeaway

This quarterback reunion and fundraiser showcases the enduring bond and camaraderie among UCLA's signal-callers, who are using their platform to give back to the community and support a worthy cause at their alma mater.