Introduction
Rocco Becht has rapidly made a name for himself as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football. His emergence at Iowa State is not just a story of on-field talent, but also the result of a solid family foundation and upbringing. In this article, we’ll explore the influence of his parents—his father Anthony Becht and mother DeeAnn (often written DeAnn)—the high school where he honed his skills, and the values that shaped his journey.
Father: Anthony Becht
NFL Backbone
Anthony Becht, born August 8, 1977, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, is a former NFL tight end who enjoyed an 11-season career spanning five teams, including the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs. A first-round pick in 2000, he compiled 188 receptions, 1,537 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns.
During his time at West Virginia University, he was twice named second-team All-Big East, served as team captain and MVP, and graduated with a marketing degree.
Transition to Coach & Broadcaster
After retiring from professional play, Anthony moved into coaching and broadcasting. In 2019, he coached tight ends for the AAF’s San Diego Fleet and later became head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks—first in the XFL (2023), then continuing in the UFL (2024–present)WikipediaCollege Sports Network. He also serves as the color commentator for the New York Jets during the football season.
A Pillar of Guidance
Through his coaching and playing career, Anthony accumulated extensive knowledge of the game, which he passed on to Rocco. From childhood, Rocco was influenced by his father’s mindset. As Rocco shared, his dad’s advice—“when there’s a play to be made, make it”—has stuck with him. Rocco’s father often wasn’t home due to his demanding career, but “consistently provided him with valuable wisdom and knowledge throughout the past 19 years, remaining a constant presence in his life”. This blend of professional success and parental mentorship helped shape Rocco’s identity both on and off the field.
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High School
Athletic Prowess
Rocco Becht attended Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where he finished his prep career with an impressive 5,343 passing yards and 65 touchdownsWikipedia. During his final two seasons, he earned conference player of the year honors and was a three-time all-conference selectionPlayers Bio. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks—ranked around 50th at least—he garnered attention from major college programs.
Recruitment & College Commitment
A three-star prospect, Rocco received offers from schools such as Ole Miss, Wake Forest, Marshall, and more. In April 2021, he made a verbal commitment to Iowa State and planned to enroll in January 2022
Mother: DeeAnn (DeeAnn) Becht
Career & Character
Rocco’s mother, DeeAnn (or DeAnn) Becht, is a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Luxury Property Specialist in Florida. Hailing from Clarksburg, West Virginia, she attended Liberty High School and earned a degree from West Virginia University. Known as one of the top agents in her area, her frequent relocations with her husband gave her insight into what clients want in real estate—a foundation for her success
Beyond her professional accomplishments, DeeAnn is deeply supportive of her son. She has been a constant presence, attending every game and cheering him on, becoming “the backbone behind his quarterback son”.
Support & Stability
It’s clear that DeeAnn played a significant role in nurturing Rocco’s confidence and character. Her unwavering presence, both emotionally and practically, helped Rocco stay grounded as his career soared.
Parents: A Unified Foundation
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Background & Early Life: Rocco was born November 12, 2003, to Anthony and DeeAnn Becht. The couple married on June 9, 2001, and have lived in several states—five states and eight cities—before settling in Tampa in 2005.
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Parental Inspiration: Both parents have urged Rocco toward excellence. His father’s coaching lessons and mother’s emotional fortitude provided a model of perseverance, humility, and community-mindedness.
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Sibling Connection: Rocco also has a sister, Olivia Becht, who recently graduated from Florida State University as a member of Kappa Alpha. Though she didn’t follow the family into sports, she supports and enjoys watching Rocco play.
How Family Shaped Rocco’s Journey
College Success
At Iowa State, Rocco thrived under pressure. After redshirting his freshman year in 2022 (completing 7 of 13 passes for 65 yards), he took over as starting quarterback in 2023 following Hunter Dekkers’ exit. That season, Rocco passed for 3,120 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors.
He also played pivotal roles in big games, including the Pop-Tarts Bowl in December 2024, where he helped orchestrate a comeback 42–41 win over Miami and earned MVP honors. Rocco then used his NIL earnings—approximately $212,000—to fund a youth football camp in Perry, Iowa, showing his commitment to giving back.
Values in Action
Organizing a free football camp for 5th to 8th graders at Perry High School—not just donating, but actively participating—underscored the values instilled by his parents. As Rocco noted, “The state of Iowa and our community has given so much love to me and my family and we wanted to find a way to give back”.
Conclusion
Rocco Becht’s rise—from his high school success to his college leadership—is deeply intertwined with the unwavering support of his parents. His father, Anthony, brings a professional football legacy and coaching wisdom. His mother, DeeAnn, offers emotional strength and resilience. Together they cultivated a family environment built on excellence, humility, and community service.
It’s not just about statistics or championship games—it’s about the foundation. Rocco’s journey reflects the importance of parental love, sacrifice, and guidance. As he continues to develop on and off the field, his story offers a powerful example of how family can shape not just an athlete, but a leader.
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