Why the Iowa Football Unis look Like the Steelers by Randy Snow

Iowa began playing football as a club sport in 1872, and the first intercollegiate game was played in 1889 against Grinnell College. Iowa joined the Big Ten Conference in 1899, and won their first conference championship in 1900.

The Hawkeyes enjoyed a period of success in the early 20th century, winning conference championships in 1921 and 1922. However, the program fell on hard times in the mid-century, and it wasn't until the arrival of head coach Hayden Fry in 1979 that Iowa returned to prominence.

Fry led the Hawkeyes to five conference championships and six bowl games during his 20 years at the helm. He was succeeded by Kirk Ferentz in 1999, and Ferentz has continued the tradition of success, leading Iowa to 10 bowl games and three conference championships.

The Hawkeyes are known for their strong defense and running game. They have also been known to produce some of the best college quarterbacks in the country, including Chuck Long, Brad Banks, and Nate Stanley.

Iowa has a passionate fan base, and Kinnick Stadium, where the Hawkeyes play their home games, is one of the most intimidating venues in college football.

• Aaron Kampman DL that played for the Green Bay Packers
• TE Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis Colts
• DB Merton Hanks of the San Francisco 49ers
• G John Niland of the Dallas Cowboys
• DB Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts and an Erie , PA Native from Cathedral Prep
• OL Jay Hilgenberg of the Chicago Bears
• Alex Karras DL of the Detroit Lions and later a Hollywood actor
• LB Andre Tippett of the New England Patriots
• DB Emlen Tunnell of the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers

Here are some of the most notable moments in Iowa Hawkeyes football history:

• 1958: Iowa wins the Rose Bowl and claims a national championship.
• 1979: Hayden Fry arrives as head coach and begins to rebuild the program.
• 1981: Iowa wins its first conference championship under Fry.
• 1985: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its first appearance in the Rose Bowl since 1958.
• 1990: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its second appearance in the Rose Bowl in five years.
• 1999: Kirk Ferentz takes over as head coach.
• 2002: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its first appearance in the Orange Bowl.
• 2004: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its second appearance in the Orange Bowl in three years.
• 2021: Iowa wins the Big Ten West division championship and makes its first appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game since 2015.
   

Check out the top posts of the internet on the history of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team by joining us in the celebration of college football history.  The Hawkeyes gridders represent the University of Iowa on the field. See the best web posts that tell the Iowa football story below.

Take a deep dive into the history and origins of the top gridiron teams and programs at the collegiate level. We celebrate the game of American football right from its roots. The concept started with youngsters of different schools competing against each other and the game at that level still thrives.

College football – a tapestry woven from roaring stadiums, electrifying plays, and passionate rivalries. But beyond the spectacle, lies the beating heart of the sport: the college football programs themselves. Each one, a unique ecosystem of tradition, strategy, and vibrant personalities, shaping the future of the game and inspiring generations of fans. In this series, we'll delve deep into these programs, exploring their storied histories, iconic figures, and the intricate dance of coaching philosophies and player development that shapes their triumphs and challenges. So, grab your jersey, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the captivating world of college football programs, where legends are forged, dynasties built, and every Saturday becomes a battleground for gridiron glory!