Top Ten Iowa Hawkeyes Football Players of All Time

The University of Iowa has a rich football history, producing legendary players who have excelled in college and the NFL. From dominant linemen to game-changing skill players, the Hawkeyes have built a tradition of excellence. Here’s a look at the top ten Iowa football players of all time.

10. Chad Greenway (LB, 2002-2005)

A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Greenway was a tackling machine for the Hawkeyes and a key part of their early 2000s success. He went on to become a Pro Bowl linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings.

Guns Don’t Kill People, Greenway Kills People.

9. Desmond King (DB, 2013-2016)

A lockdown corner, King won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back in 2015. His ability to shut down receivers and make plays on the ball made him one of the best defenders in Hawkeye history.

Desmond King Highlights || “Nation’s Best DB” || Iowa

8. Dallas Clark (TE, 2000-2002)

Clark won the John Mackey Award in 2002 as the nation’s best tight end. His speed and hands made him a nightmare for defenses, and he later won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts.

Dallas Clark Iowa Highlights

7. Andre Tippett (LB, 1979-1981)

Tippett was a dominant pass rusher and a key figure in Iowa’s resurgence under Hayden Fry. He was a consensus All-American before going on to a Hall of Fame career with the New England Patriots, where he was one of the best linebackers of his era.

Lessons from Legends Ep. 11 Featuring Andre Tippett | Class of 2021 | University of Iowa

6. Bob Sanders (DB, 2000-2003)

Despite being undersized, Sanders was a ferocious hitter and game-changer in Iowa’s secondary. His intensity carried over to the NFL, where he won Defensive Player of the Year with the Indianapolis Colts.

Bob Sanders University of Iowa Highlights

5. Duke Slater (OL, 1918-1921)

A pioneer in football history, Slater was a dominant lineman and the first Black All-American in Iowa history. He later became the first Black lineman in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

B1G Impact Pioneers: Iowa’s Duke Slater

4. Chuck Long (QB, 1981-1985)

One of the most decorated quarterbacks in Iowa history, Long finished as the Heisman runner-up in 1985 and led the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl appearance.

Iconic Person: Chuck Long

3. Alex Karras (DT, 1955-1957)

Karras was a dominant force on the defensive line, finishing second in the 1957 Heisman Trophy voting—an incredible feat for a lineman. He later became an NFL legend and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Incredible Journey of Alex Karras: NFL Star, Wrestler, Actor, and Author (1935-2012)

2. Robert Gallery (OL, 1999-2003)

Gallery won the 2003 Outland Trophy as the nation’s best lineman and was a consensus All-American. His dominance at left tackle made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

B1G Stories with Tom Dienhart: Robert Gallery – A Hawkeye

1. Nile Kinnick (RB/QB, 1937-1939)

The only Heisman Trophy winner in Iowa history, Kinnick led the Hawkeyes to national prominence in 1939. His legacy extends beyond football, as he was a war hero, and Iowa’s stadium is named in his honor.

Nile Kinnick – Best Heisman Winners

Honorable Mentions

Brad Banks, TJ Hockenson, Ronnie Harmon, and many others deserve recognition, but these ten players represent the best of the best in Hawkeye history.

Who would you rank as Iowa’s greatest? Let us know!