Clayborn to Tampa

One Buccaneer Place is the new address for Iowa defensive end, Adrian Clayborn. Congratulations to AC as he begins his new career in territory familiar to him. Tampa was the destination of the Hawkeyes for the 2009 Outback Bowl where he played at Raymond James Stadium, home to the Buccaneers. He couldn't be in better hands. The video department is led by Dave Levy who is one of three NFL Video Directors who oversee the league group. While we were in Tampa preparing for the game Dave was generous with his time as he gave me and my staff a tour of their facility. At one time on the tour, Dave and I spoke one on one regarding our upcoming Big Ten meeting and coordinating it with the NFL's. During our discussion, my video staff had to wait in the nearby hallway where yet to be named Head Coach, Raheem Morris started up a conversation with them. At one time all I could hear was laughter coming from the entire group. The Buccaneers are class people who are down to Earth.

Good Luck Adrian.

Super Showdown Set

The Super Bowl is set and let the Kurt Warner saga be repeated for the next two weeks. It is the Cardinals and Steelers and I'm sure few had predicted this match-up when training camp began in July. And today, Cub fans were reminded of how the Cardinals were able to break their 61 year of futility. That was in comparison to the Cubs' 100 years. Thanks, Fox!

But there are other former Iowans involved in this year's game. First year NFL player Ken Iwebema was drafted in April to play for former Iowa Defensive Line coach, Ron Aiken. I could not be any happier for Aiken. Ron is one of the nicer people in the coaching profession. When he left the University many were surprised to see him leave Iowa City with his children in school, for the NFL life in Phoenix. Aiken is truly a family man and put them ahead of his coaching career. He emphasized to me how, at his previous stops, the family would always gather for at least one meal during the season, even if it meant they ate in the car while their sons slept in their car seat. When they moved to Iowa City, Ron would bring his three sons with him to the Cedar Rapids hotel on Friday nights during the season as he met with the team. Each son was well-mannered--yes sir, no sir--and sat in the hotel lobby and read their chosen book. Any time he could spend with his family was precious to Ron. I am very happy to see him have the opportunity to play in the sport's biggest game.

I am also a new fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. My loyalties still belong to the Green Bay Packers, but after visiting the Buccaneer complex while in Tampa, I have a new found appreciation. Video Director Dave Levy treated us very well, but also new head coach, Raheem Morris. While Levy and I talked privately in his office, Morris started a conversation with my four students who were waiting in the hallway. Morris spoke with them for nearly five minutes the day following the last game of the season. Levy commented on how great of a person Morris was and how happy he was to have him as the new defensive coordinator. Levy must be very pleased with the hire now.