Jan. 8, 2011
Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The National Football League playoffs get underway this weekend, and there will be plenty of former Iowa Hawkeyes trying to help their teams reach Super Bowl XLV.
The University of Iowa football team placed 33 former players on NFL rosters prior to the start of the 2010 season. Five players from Iowa’s 2009 squad made opening day rosters. Fifteen former players and three players from Iowa’s 2009 squad will be helping their team in the playoffs starting Saturday.
In Saturday’s AFC wildcard matchup, the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts battle at 7 p.m. (CT). A number of former Hawkeye standouts will play major roles in the contest.
Shonn Greene, the 2008 Doak Walker Award winner, is in his second season with the Jets. He rushed for 766 yards on 185 carries in 2010, scoring twice. Former Hawkeye defensive lineman Matt Kroul is on New York’s practice squad. Mike Devlin, a former Hawkeye All-American offensive lineman, is the Jets’ tight ends and assistant offensive line coach. He is in his fourth season on New York’s staff.
Rookie linebacker Pat Angerer started 10 games for the Colts this season, recording 65 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Two former Hawkeyes and current Colts, Bob Sanders and Dallas Clark, are on the injured reserve list. They have been key components in helping Indianapolis reach the playoffs a record-tying nine straight seasons. The trio plays for head coach Jim Caldwell. Caldwell, who lettered at Iowa from 1973-76, is the only former Hawkeye currently holding a head coaching position in the NFL. Another former Hawkeye, Tom Moore, is the team’s senior offensive assistant.
The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs face off in Sunday’s AFC matchup at noon (CT). Marshal Yanda has started each game for the Ravens this season on the offensive line. Bryan Mattison, a former Hawkeye defensive lineman, is a member of Baltimore’s practice squad.
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The University of Iowa football team placed 33 former players on NFL rosters prior to the start of the 2010 season. Five players from Iowa’s 2009 squad made opening day rosters. Fifteen former players and three players from Iowa’s 2009 squad will be helping their team in the playoffs starting Saturday.
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For the Chiefs, two former Hawkeyes, tight end Tony Moeaki and offensive lineman Casey Wiegmann, have played vital roles on the team’s offense. Moeaki tallied 47 receptions for 556 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie season. The receptions and yards are good for fifth among all NFL rookies. Wiegmann started all 16 games at center for Kansas City since returning to the team in 2010 after playing the 2001-07 seasons with the Chiefs. The return of Wiegmann and the addition of Moeaki were key moves in helping the Chiefs finish 10-6 and win the 2010 AFC West Division Championship after finishing 4-12 a season ago.
Former Iowa offensive lineman Brian Ferentz, son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, is an offensive assistant for the New England Patriots. The Patriots earned a bye and await their first postseason opponent.
In Saturday’s NFC wildcard round, the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks play at 3:30 p.m. (CT). Former Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Mitch King is a member of the Saints’ practice squad. He appeared in four games this year with the Indianapolis Colts. Former Hawkeye standout running back Ladell Betts is on the team’s injured reserve list. He appeared in eight games in 2010 with one start. Betts accumulated 45 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He is in his ninth NFL season.
For the Seahawks, former Iowa defensive lineman Colin Cole starts at defensive tackle. He started 11 games in 2010, recording 44 tackles and one sack.
The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles round out the NFC’s wildcard matchups on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. (CT). For the Packers, rookie Bryan Bulaga starts at offensive tackle. The team’s first-round pick last year started 12 games during the regular season. Joe Philbin is the Packers’ offensive coordinator. He spent four seasons as Iowa’s offensive line coach (1999-2002).
The Atlanta Falcons earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. They earned a first-round bye and await their opponent. Former Iowa offensive lineman Rob Bruggeman is a member of the team’s practice squad. Jonathan Babineaux starts at defensive tackle for the Falcons. In 2010, he started 15 games, notching 27 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one touchdown.