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.

The NFL Video Guy at the Combine

There may be no tougher job during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis than that of each team's video director. This Midwestern city in February doesn't allow for many recreational options, yet the demands the league puts on them doesn't give this crew much time to either explore or enjoy over their ten day span.

After arriving on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are spent in their own meetings. Topics will range from Internet exchange, acquiring video from the colleges through the dub center, as well as staying up to date with the latest technology with demonstrations from many vendors.

Video Directors from the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills are among those in charge of organizing and conducting the meetings. At this moment, myself as well as the video coordinators of the Wisconsin Badgers and Virginia Cavaliers addressed the NFL staffs and answered questions regarding college video and sending it to the Dub Center.

While the video directors meet, the NFL's competition committee meets in the adjacent room. Here Marvin Lewis takes a break before joining fellow head coach Jeff Fisher to discuss, among other items, the current over time rule.

Once meetings conclude their attention turns to Lucas Oil Stadium and setting up for the NFL Combine drills. Each team is responsible for bringing their own equipment and shooting either drills or interviews, or assist with the organization of the video. Each player that attends the combine is video taped and then will have their own reel featuring their talents from the weekend.

The NFL Combine brings out all who are affiliated with the NFL. John Madden comes to town early and is found walking around the lobby of the Westin.

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.

One Buccaneer Place

Monday had the Hawkeye Footbal team at a noon luncheon, and the family spending the morning at Busch Gardens, the video staff went to One Buccaneer Place, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dave Levy, the Video Director gave us a tour while we discussed our plans for February meetings. Dave is in charge of the NFL Video Director's Meetings and I plan the Big Ten's Meetings. Each are in conjunction with the 2009 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Raymond James Stadium across the street from One Buccaneer Place.

The Atrium

Representation of Coach John Gruden winning the 2002 Super Bowl.