Legends of Kinnick

To this point I’ve had a lot of guys on the podcast. The funny thing about it is that the majority of the Legends I’ve had on had made a change in position from whatever they were recruited to Iowa to do. I have one of Iowa football’s true hidden gems. If it weren’t for injuries and lack of depth along the defensive line, Mitch Kkng may not have become the household name that he is. Ironically tho, the accolades really didn’t seem to motivate this defensive juggernaut but like all my former guests, the Pride he had within himself pushed him to sore like a Hawkeye in opponents backfield’s ..... Ladies & Gentlemen ....... Mitch King

1 of the most decorated Hawkeyes that ever wore the Black & Gold is a man that few people even know about. Mr. John Niland played for the Hawks in a time before coaches Ferentz & Frye, before much Hawkeye success and before it was even called Kinnick Stadium ..... Kinnick was named “Iowa Stadium” until 1972. His All-Conference, All-American, Pro Bowl & All-Pro career will at some point get him to Canton Ohio as an NFL Hall of Famer but in the mean time I’m happy to have him as a guest on Legends of Kinnick ...... Ladies & Gentlemen .... Mr. John “Nightlife” Niland

The next guest I have the pleasure of welcoming to the show only had to fill the shoes of the program’s most decorated kicker of all-time and Kyle Schlicher was able to do just that. In his 3 years as a starter, he was tops in the Big Ten in kicking and left Iowa tied with Rob Houghtlin for the most in a single season. This all-big ten performer left his mark on the Iowa program and his life after football has been one made for legends. Ladies & Gentlemen ..... Kyle Schlicher

The Hawkeye football program has been blessed with some great running backs over the program’s history. My next guest was one of the Iowa football program’s biggest stars ... Fred Russell’s career as a Hawkeye was dominant and he remains one of Iowa Football’s all time greatest.... Ladies & Gentlemen ....... Fred Russell

World renowned Inspirational Auhor, Israelmore Ayivor quotes: “Leaders believe that falling is not failing, but refusal to rise up after falling is the real form of failure!” This quote best speaks to today’s guest. Struggles are apart of ALL of our lives but Clinton Solomon didn’t let his struggles defeat him.... Ladies & Gentlemen.... Clinton Solomon

With a Nose for Football, Pat Angerer made play after play on his way to being named All-Conference & All-American. Another Hawkeye product out of the same Bettendorf High School that produced Hawk Legend Tavoan Banks, this gifted defensive Ball Hawk managed to always be present. His 2009 season performance still puts him amongst the top 5 all-time single season tacklers with 145.... Ladies & Gentlemen ............ Patrick Aaron Angerer

The Legends of Kinnick podcast has taken us down some awesome paths and the next guest is NO exception. Marcus Paschal had tremendous career patrolling Iowa’s secondary, but take a listen to how that almost wasn’t the case! From the uncertainty navigating the recruiting process to competing in a super talented Defensive Back’s room. His story has all the familiarity of a unique Hawk story! Ladies & Gentlemen..... Marcus Paschal

The University of Iowa has done well throughout the years of recruiting student athletes from junior and community colleges throughout the country. These athletes have taken a different route due to any number of reasons. My next guest went this route and found a lot of success in his career. CJ Jones was a Florida product with a lot of speed and the talent to step in right away and contribute offensively for the Hawkeyes. However, it was on special teams that CJ really stood out throughout his time at Iowa. During his two years at Iowa, Jones recorded 72 catches for 902 yards and 10 scores. He caught 9 touchdown passes in Iowa's 2002 BCS season. His opening kickoff 100 yard return for touchdown in the Orange Bowl remains the longest in the history of that game! Ladies & Gentlemen.... CJ Jones

Today’s guest came to the University of Iowa from just a mere hour and a half away in Dyersville, Iowa. This small town is known for the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams,” staring Kevin Costner, being a small farming community & being home to Hawk Legend Mike Haight. Early on in Coach Hayden Fry’a tenure he was able to land a prime time recruit that would end up solidifying an offensive line in the mid 80s that would lead the way for NFL Pro Bowler Ronnie Harmon, blacking for Heisman candidate Chuck Long & becoming Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 1985. Mike Haight’s rise to becoming a Legend wasn’t easy but his story will help you understand the dynamic of Hawkeye Football’s early Fry Teams. Ladies & Gentleman.... Mike Haight

Today’s guest hails from Buffalo Grove Illinois where he helped his Stevenson Patriots football team earn three straight trips to state playoffs . . . He was also team captain as a senior . . . rushed 153 times for 1,657 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior . . . Not to mention 182 carries for 1,149 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. He Earned first team all-state, all-area and all-conference honors as a senior . . . Not to mention all-county, all-area and all-conference honors as a junior. My guest chose the Air Force Academy out of high school with the interest in both the armed forces and pursuing his athletic dreams with the Falcons. After a short stint there he made the decision to leave and walk-on at Iowa. Mark Weisman started his career at Iowa a 7th string Full-back and left Iowa as a legend. Ladies & Gentlemen....... Mark Weisman

Hawk fans remember Bill Ennis-Inge as that electrifying edge rusher that solidified Coach Hayden Frye's defense in the late 90's. Bill has been an influential man in so many ways but it's his interest in molding young men that shines through all else. Really he's a Legend in so many ways but his time in Iowa City means so much to so many young men, including me. Bill Ennis-Inge

My next guest is one of the most decorated Quarterbacks not only in Iowa football history but also Big Ten history as only 1 of 3 to Start and Win 3 Bowl Games. Add to that, that he's the only Quarterback to ever start and win 3 times against legendary Penn State head coach, Joe Paterno. In Iowa football history, he ranks top 3 in Touchdown passes, yards, attempts and total offense. But Ricky Stanzi would be the first to defer those accolades to his teammates and that’s part of the reason why Ricky Joseph Stanley is a Legend of Kinnick.....

Few Student-Athletes come to the University of Iowa and have an Immediate Impact. Today’s guest did just that and left a STRONG mark on the Iowa Football Program. One of Iowa’s most decorated players wore the #94. Not only does Jared DeVries personify Hawkeye Football but he’s also considered one of THE BEST PLAYERS ever coached by legendary Hawkeye Coach Hayden Fry. His time since leaving the gridiron in 2008 has been nothing less than remarkable as he’s juggled Family, Fatherhood, Entrepreneurship, Coaching, and most recently being named to the 2020 class of the Iowa Football Hall of Fame.... Jared DeVries

My next guest hails from Des Moines Iowa and went to Waukee High School. The 6’7” Prep was All-state as well as Class 4A Western Iowa Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and named to Elite Western Iowa team he went on to choose his childhood dream school, the University of Iowa and continued his success as an All Big Ten performer both athletically and a academically. He’s currently pursuing his career in the NFL with the Tampa Buccaneers as he was drafted by the club in the 4th round (107th) overall of the 2019 NFL draft. Ladies & Gentlemen... Anthony Nelson

My next guest became one of the first walk-on success stories during coach Kirk Ferentz's tenure at Iowa. The All-Big Ten performer helped the Hawks win a Big Ten title and reached 3 bowl games with 2 victories during his tenure. Grant Steen's career at Iowa wasn't the most publicized but his athleticism and willingness to be an absolutely selfless team player, in one of the country's stingiest defenses. Ladies & Gentlemen .... Grant Steen

When Kirk Ferentz became the University of Iowa’s head coach, he inherited a lackluster roster with little talent and a well needed over-haul. One of the brightest stars of these otherwise laughing stock, late Fry & early Ferentz, squads was a guy that stood about 6’1” & weighed about 200 pounds. With his Bleached Blond hair and the swagger of a Man on a Mission, Kevin Kasper started as an unknown walk-on and graduated from the University of Iowa as it’s all team leader in career receptions, single season receptions and Touch Downs... Ladies & Gentlemen, Kevin Kasper

My next guest epitomizes what it is to be Hawkeye Legend. Not only did he leave the university of Iowa in the top 5 in most statistical categories, he was also the heartbeat of a stingy Iowa defense that saw a bowl game in each of his 5 seasons as a hawk...accolades galore but one of the most humble & genuine men I know...

One half of arguably the best linebacking core in Iowa Football history, This guys’ heart & play was unmatched on the gridiron! From Iowa City to Minneapolis, and beyond...Chad Greenway means so much to so many people, & continues to represent the University of Iowa very nicely.....

One of the best things about the University of Iowa is that Coach Ferentz & the Hawkeye Football staff has always done a great job at finding the optimal place to put the talent they recruit. Today’s guest came to Iowa as a Quarterback but made the career change to Wide Receiver. Marvin McNutt left the University of Iowa as it’s all-time leading receiver in TDs and yardage. But his football career has moved on beyond just a player....

Today's show features a hard nosed athlete from the Empire State. The city of Troy was the first place to see this young man's talents before he came to Iowa City. As a Hawkeye he posted impressive numbers including a school record in carries, his senior season as a Hawk. Jordan Canzerri exemplifies the Iowa program and I'm glad he could join the show.....

Today's guest has played on some of the Hawkeye's biggest stages such as the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis Indiana to the "Grand Daddy of them all," Rose Bowl! The game that surpasses all those took place down in Miami, Florida the site of Super Bowl 54 which was won by my guests team the Kansas City Chiefs. Ben Neiman has had an amazing career up until this point and he's just getting started...

There are only a handful of men that have successfully made the leap from the gridiron to the squared circle of the professional wrestling world. My next guest hails from Tampa Florida. His parents Eltore and Margaret migrated from the countries of Jamaica & Montserratian. He attended Iowa from 2004-2008. Unfortunately, he suffered numerous injuries during his college career that cut his playing time short. However, He didn’t let those shortcomings define his sports career. He left Iowa and later became a powerlifter and a USA Powerlifting champion. Big E parlayed that powerlifting career into a booming wrestling career. He signed with WWE in 2009 and was assigned to its developmental brand Florida Championship Wrestling. That stint has turned into a wrestling career and now he 1/3 of WWE’s “New Day” tag team wrestling group. Ladies & Gentlemen.... Ettore “Big E/Big E Langston” Ewen

The next legend that I have coming to show was actually born in Iowa City. This city high product was offered early on by Iowa and made his decision pretty early. My guest had an interesting time at Iowa that ranged from suspensions early on due to taking supplements that were given to him by a close family member to collecting 152 passes for 1892 yards and 15 touchdowns, good for eighth on the current all-time receiving list at Iowa. He added over 2000 career return yards, to land at number eight on the all-purpose yards list for the Hawks. As a senior, Kahlil won the 2001 Mosi Tatupu Award for the nation's best special teams player. Hill went on to play professionally for numerous NFL and CFL teams over his winning a Grey Cup with fellow Hawks Drew Tate & Jovon Johnson in 2007 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Ladies & Gentlemen.... Kahlil Hill

My next guest came to Iowa from Mt. Vernon South Dakota. While where he was a three-time South Dakota All-state performer, earning first team honors as a junior and senior and third team honors as a sophomore. He was named Gatorade Football Player of the Year as a senior in 2001. also Argus Leader and Sports Max Player of the Year. He also earned first team All-conference honors for three straight seasons, as well as MVP honors. He played quarterback and free safety and returned punts and kickoffs, helping Mt. Vernon win two consecutive state titles as a junior and senior. Not to mention letters in track and basketball. I for one am thankful he chose Iowa. He started playing in 2002 seeing reps mainly on special teams and special packages. In 2003 he stared at weak side linebacker and never looked back collecting numerous accolades such as all conference and 1st team All American. He was taken in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft #17 overall to the Minnesota Vikings and Chad went on to amass 1,100 tackles 18 sacks 8 forced fumbles 11 recoveries, 11 picks and 2 Touch Downs not to mention being a 2 time pro bowler, an all-pro, Whizzer White Man of the Year & he led the entire NFC in tackles in 2010. Ladies & Gentlemen....Chad Greenway

My next guest was another product out of the Northeast, Eerie Pa to be exact. He lettered in both football and basketball at Mercyhurst Prep. He enter the Iowa secondary as a true freshman where he either led outright or was tied for the team lead in interceptions in each of his four seasons as a Hawkeye, ultimately finishing his collegiate career with 17 picks. Only Nile Kinnick and Devon Mitchell have more in a Hawkeye uniform ranking him 3rd all time in that list. Johnson left Iowa and again wasn’t wasn’t highly touted entering the NFL given an opportunity early on with the Pittsburg Steelers but made his real splash in Canada as a part of the Canadian Football League. Jovon was the CFL’s most outstanding player in 2011, becoming the first defensive back to ever win the award. He won the Grey Cup in 2007, he was a 2 time CFL all-star and 5 time CFL east division all-star.... Ladies & Gentlemen....Jovon Johnson

Today’s guest came to Iowa out of familiar state of New Jersey where Iowa has had success with recruiting RBs such as Albert Young. My guest attended Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey. He played at Iowa from 2014 to 2017. In his final collegiate game, he was named the Pinstripe Bowl MVP after collecting 283 all-purpose yards and scoring one touchdown . . . He’s ranked 5th all time with his career rushing totals for 2,872 yards and 4th all time with 28 touchdowns. And added 761 yards on 71 receptions and an additional 7 receiving TDS . . . one of four running backs in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in consecutiuve seasons . . . Not to mention ranking 9th on the All time career yardage totals... Akrum Wadley went on to sign free agent contracts with the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Legends and Houston Roughnecks.... Ladies Gentlemen....Akrum Wadley

My guest today played with the Hawks from 2000-2005 than went on to play 12 NFL seasons for the Atlanta Falcons after being selected in 2nd round of the 2005 draft and was a key part of 2 Big Ten championships with the Hawks. He originally came to Iowa as a fullback out of Port Arthur Texas. But was switched over to the defensive side of the ball when we needed more quality players on the d-line. He finished his collegiate career with 131 tackles (39 for losses), 19 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, one interception, two pass deflections, four fumble recoveries, and five forced fumbles. Had an outstanding NFL career with a major highlight.....At the end of the 2016 season, Babineaux and the Falcons reached Super Bowl LI, (51) where they faced Tom Brady & the New England Patriots on February 5, 2017. In the Super Bowl, he recorded one assisted tackle as the Falcons fell in a 34–28 overtime defeat. Ladies and gentlemen....Johnathan Babineaux

Born in Maddison Wisconsin than his parents quickly wisened up and moved to Iowa City where he attended Iowa City West High School in Iowa City than Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa, before moving on to Norman Oklahoma to finish up high school. Norman, Oklahoma. He committed to Iowa to play football. His father, Bruce Kittle, also played at Iowa and is a former college football coach. Upon joining the hawks Kittle had to battle for his spot amongst a great position group. Along the way he gathered 48 receptions for a total of 737 yards and 10 TDs. Kittle was drafted 2017 in the 5th round to the San Francisco 49ers.... In 2018, Kittle set the single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end, with 1,377, and earned his first Pro Bowl & All Pro selection in the process. Ladies and Gentlemen, George Kittle!

My next guest was born in Fostoria, Ohio, and attended Fostoria High School where he lettered in three sports: baseball, basketball and football. On the gridiron, he was a team captain during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons with the team. As a junior, Hyde earned Ohio first-team honors as a quarterback, defensive back, and place kicker. Not to mention being named honorable mention as a punter. He was additionally named a first team defensive back and quarterback in his senior year. He also earned first-team all-conference basketball and baseball honors in High School. As a hawk he was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection and also won the Tatum-Woodson Award that is annually given to the best defensive back in the big ten. He went on to be a 5th round draft pick to the Green Bay Packers. Hyde has been both a pro bowler as well as an all pro selection!!! Ladies & gentlemen please welcome Hawkeye Legend....Micah Hyde

Former All-American & All-Big Ten Hawkeye football standout, Colin Cole hosts former Hawkeye football players in a sit down conversation about what it took for them to become Division I athletes in the Big 10 conference, what was most memorable about their time as a Hawk’s and what their lives have been like since their last snaps at Historic Kinnick Stadium.

Former All-American & All-Big Ten Hawkeye football standout, Colin Cole hosts former Hawkeye football players in a sit down conversation about what it took for them to become Division I athletes in the Big 10 conference, what was most memorable about their time as a Hawk’s and what their lives have been like since their last snaps at Historic Kinnick Stadium.