Top Ten Iowa Hawkeyes Football Players of All Time

Few programs in the country embody toughness, discipline, and player development quite like the Iowa Hawkeyes. For more than a century, Iowa has produced rugged linemen, explosive playmakers, and defensive stars who not only dominated in college but also carved out impressive NFL careers. These ten athletes represent the very best to ever wear the black and gold — players whose influence elevated the program and helped define Iowa football’s identity of grit and excellence.

Here are the Top 10 Iowa Hawkeyes Football Players of All Time, ranked from 10 to 1.

10. Chad Greenway (LB, 2002–2005)

Chad Greenway’s career is a blueprint for what Iowa football stands for: toughness, consistency, and relentless effort. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Greenway was a tackling machine who patrolled the field with sideline-to-sideline speed and elite football instincts. He played a massive role in Iowa’s rise under Kirk Ferentz in the early 2000s, helping lead the Hawkeyes to multiple double-digit win seasons and major bowl appearances. Greenway’s intelligence and physicality made him the backbone of Iowa’s defense, and his leadership set the tone for the entire roster. His excellence translated seamlessly to the NFL, where he became a Pro Bowl linebacker and long-time captain for the Minnesota Vikings.

Guns Don’t Kill People, Greenway Kills People.

9. Desmond King (DB, 2013–2016)

Desmond King was one of the most dominant defensive backs in Iowa history, combining elite ball skills with the physicality and discipline characteristic of Hawkeye defensive backs. In 2015, King captured the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, a testament to his ability to shut down top receivers and change games with turnovers. Whether blanketing receivers in coverage or stepping up in run support, King was a complete defender who fit perfectly into Iowa’s tradition-rich secondary. His 14 career interceptions rank among the best in school history, and his impact was felt every single week. King remains one of the most decorated and respected defensive players ever to come through Iowa City.

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

8. Dallas Clark (TE, 2000–2002)

Dallas Clark’s path to superstardom is one of the best player-development stories in college football. Originally a walk-on linebacker, Clark transformed into the nation’s best tight end by 2002, winning the John Mackey Award and becoming a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His combination of speed, athleticism, and sure hands made him nearly impossible to cover, and he played a crucial role in Iowa’s rise to national prominence under Kirk Ferentz. Clark helped lead the Hawkeyes to an 11–1 season and an Orange Bowl berth, cementing his place among the best offensive weapons in program history. His success continued in the NFL, where he became a Pro Bowl tight end and Super Bowl champion with the Indianapolis Colts.

Dallas Clark Iowa Highlights

7. Andre Tippett (LB, 1979–1981)

Andre Tippett was a foundational piece of Iowa’s resurgence under Hayden Fry, bringing rare explosiveness and ferocity to the Hawkeye defense. As a dominant edge rusher, Tippett dismantled offensive lines with his speed and power, earning consensus All-American honors and setting the tone for Fry’s new culture in Iowa City. Tippett’s influence extended far beyond the stat sheet — his presence alone forced offenses to game-plan around him. After college, Tippett became one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His combination of college dominance and pro greatness places him among Iowa’s all-time elite.

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

6. Bob Sanders (DB, 2000–2003)

Bob Sanders may have been undersized, but he played with a level of intensity and physicality unmatched in Iowa history. Sanders provided the spark that helped turn Iowa’s defense into one of the nation’s most feared units. His bone-jarring hits, elite closing speed, and instinctive playmaking made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Sanders earned All-Big Ten honors and became a leader on teams that brought Iowa back to national prominence. His aggressive style translated seamlessly to the NFL, where he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Colts to a Super Bowl title. Sanders remains one of the most impactful defenders to ever wear the black and gold.

Bob Sanders University of Iowa Highlights

5. Duke Slater (OL, 1918–1921)

Duke Slater was not only one of the greatest players in Iowa history — he was a pioneer who changed the landscape of American sports. As a dominant two-way lineman, Slater became the first Black All-American in Iowa football history and one of the most respected players of his era. He played during a time of intense racial barriers, yet his brilliance on the field dismantled prejudice and earned him national recognition. Slater later became the first Black lineman in NFL history and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His impact goes far beyond statistics; he stands as one of the most important figures in both Hawkeye and football history.

B1G Impact Pioneers: Iowa’s Duke Slater

4. Chuck Long (QB, 1981–1985)

Chuck Long remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Big Ten history. With elite accuracy, poise, and leadership, Long led Iowa to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl appearance, finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1985 in one of the closest votes ever. He set numerous school and conference passing records, helping redefine Iowa’s offensive identity under Hayden Fry. Long’s ability to dissect defenses and deliver in big moments cemented him as one of the most important players in Iowa’s modern history. Few quarterbacks have left a legacy as rich or as influential on the program’s long-term success.

Iconic Person: Chuck Long

3. Alex Karras (DT, 1955–1957)

Alex Karras was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football history — a ferocious interior force whose impact transcended his position. In 1957, Karras finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, an extraordinary achievement for a defensive lineman. His explosiveness, strength, and ability to collapse pockets made him nearly unblockable. Karras anchored Iowa’s defense during one of its strongest periods and later became an NFL legend with the Detroit Lions, earning Hall of Fame honors. Whether measured by dominance, accolades, or legacy, Karras belongs firmly among the top Hawkeyes of all time.

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

2. Robert Gallery (OL, 1999–2003)

Robert Gallery was the epitome of an Iowa offensive lineman — massive, physical, technically refined, and relentlessly consistent. He developed into the nation’s best lineman, winning the 2003 Outland Trophy and earning consensus All-American status. Gallery anchored Iowa’s offensive line during one of the winningest periods in school history and became a leader both on and off the field. His dominance made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the highest-drafted lineman in program history. Gallery’s combination of size, athleticism, and refined technique represents the gold standard of Hawkeye offensive line play.

B1G Stories with Tom Dienhart: Robert Gallery – A Hawkeye

1. Nile Kinnick (RB/QB, 1937–1939)

Nile Kinnick is more than Iowa’s greatest football player — he is the face of the program, the heart of its history, and a symbol of courage far beyond the field. The 1939 Heisman Trophy winner, Kinnick led Iowa to national prominence with unmatched versatility, intelligence, and leadership. He contributed as a runner, passer, kicker, defender, and returner, embodying the all-around excellence of early-era football. His Heisman acceptance speech remains one of the most famous in sports history. Tragically, Kinnick died while serving his country in World War II, and Iowa later named its stadium in his honor. His legacy is eternal — both as a player and as a hero.

Nile Kinnick – Best Heisman Winners

Honorable Mentions

Brad Banks, T.J. Hockenson, Ronnie Harmon, Tim Dwight, and Shonn Greene all deserve recognition, but the ten players above represent the pinnacle of Hawkeye excellence.