Former ISU football player Jesse Beckom has left the gridiron and traded in his cardinal and gold uniform for one in red, white and blue.

Beckom is trying to make the transition from football to bobsledding, as he attempts to earn a spot on the 2006 U.S. Olympic team.

Beckom, initially a walk-on to the Cyclone team, became a captain by his senior year in 1999. ISU head football coach Dan McCarney said Beckom was able to become a captain because of his “work ethic, attitude, perseverance and his absolute dedication to be the best he could.”

Beckom also had short stays with teams in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League.

However, after Charlie Partridge, a former ISU coach now at Pittsburgh, saw a flier for bobsled tryouts looking for someone with a background in football or track and field, he told Beckom and encouraged him to try it.

“It was actually a coincidence,” Beckom said.

Although the training is not exactly the same, Beckom said his football career prepared him greatly for bobsledding. He credits ISU strength coaches Matt McGettigan and Rohrk Cutchlow for their dedication in helping him to train his body for both football and now, bobsledding.

Those who have worked closely with Beckom said he is physically gifted and his determination carries him to the next level.

“If his mind is set on something, there’s nothing in the world that’s going to stop him,” McCarney said.

McGettigan said “no work will ever be too hard for Jesse” because of his dedication and toughness.

McCarney also said he invites Beckom every year to speak to the football team.

“He’s a warrior,” McCarney said.

McCarney said some people lead quietly, but Beckom was always very vocal and emotional when trying to motivate others.

Beckom is currently a member on the U.S. Bobsled Team and has competed in Germany, Switzerland, Utah, Canada and New York. Closer to 2006, his sled team will try to fill one of two American spots for the Olympic games.

“It would be an honor,” Beckom said of his opportunity to represent the United States at the Olympics. “Representing our nation would be incredible.”

Some of Beckom’s training is taking place in Ames, while he works toward his master’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State.

Beckom was a two-year starter for the Cyclones at linebacker after transferring from Trinity (Ill.) College. During his redshirt season in 1997, Beckom was Iowa State’s defensive scout team player of the year. In 1998, he was defensive newcomer of the year in the Big 12 Conference.

In his two seasons, Beckom totaled 138 tackles and 7 1/2 sacks.