Dec. 30, 2011
Video interview with S. Considine
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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.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nearly two weeks ago, retiring University of Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker said he would like former pupil Sean Considine in the lineup when the Hawkeyes play No. 19 Oklahoma tonight in the Insight Bowl.
Considine, now a seven-year NFL veteran, attended Iowa’s practice Tuesday at Chaparral High School, but he was in civilian clothes, minus a helmet or pads.
“I think a lot of positions have to play very well for us (in the 2011 Insight Bowl),” Parker said Dec. 16. “I’d like to know what Considine is doing that day. I think the free safety is going to be an integral part of what we’re doing. To try to stop (Oklahoma), you have to have a free safety. I’d like to know what Considine is doing that day, see if he has any eligibility left.”
Considine, a walk-on who lettered for Iowa from 2001-04, heard Parker’s comments…and was honored.
“I don’t get too proud about a lot of things, but to have a coach like Norm Parker mention you in his retirement speech — I was thrilled to death to hear that,” Considine said. “I’m very proud of it. I had a lot of good memories playing for him. He’s got a lot of classic one-liners and he was a lot of fun to play for. I wish him the best in retirement.”
Considine was originally drafted into the NFL by the Philadelphia Eagles with the first pick in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 2005 draft. He played 46 games and started 17 times for the Eagles in four seasons. Considine then played for the Jacksonville Jaguars two seasons; in 2011 he split time with the Carolina Panthers (four games) and is now with the Arizona Cardinals.
“This has been one heck of a ride,” Considine said. “My family and friends have had fun enjoying it with me. Hopefully I can continue my career a little bit longer. If not, maybe I’ll be coaching for the Hawkeyes someday, you never know.”
Considine joined the UI football program in 2000 from Byron, Ill. He quickly earned a scholarship, and in 2004, was named team captain with Jonathan Babineaux, David Bradley, Ed Hinkel, Pete McMahon and Matt Roth.
After being part of 38 Hawkeye football victories and a 3-1 mark in bowl games, Considine headed to the professional ranks. There wasn’t much adjusting when he arrived.
“My first day in the NFL was no different than being part of the program I played for at Iowa,” Considine said. “Coach (Ferentz) does things the right way to prepare guys for the next level, so it’s an easy transition coming out of Iowa into the NFL. The coaching I received here (at the UI) was great. I’m still relying on the fundamentals and techniques I learned at Iowa.”
Considine’s sister, Megan, is a member of the Hawkeye women’s basketball team. A torn Achilles tendon has put a damper on her senior season, but Sean said his sister’s experience as a Hawkeye has been sensational.
“She really likes being part of that program and playing for coach (Lisa) Bluder,” Sean said.
Considine still speaks often with UI strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle, defensive backs coach Phil Parker, and several of the Hawkeye players.
“It helps me stay involved with the guys, and actually I know a lot of these players personally,” Considine said. “My sister’s dating a (current) player, so I have to make sure he’s staying good to her. I have a lot of fun with these guys.”
Tonight is the Insight Bowl, and more memories are ready to become etched into Hawkeye football lore. For Considine, a favorite bowl recollection is easy to come by: he was a member of the 2005 Capital One Bowl championship team that defeated No. 11 LSU, 30-25, with a touchdown pass on the game’s final play.
“I don’t think there could ever be a better way to end your career as a Hawkeye,” Considine said. “It’s always fun to catch up with guys from that team and for some reason, that game always comes up in conversation, and it probably will until the day I die.”