If you forgot that Iowa is Tight End University, let this be a great reminder.
On Monday, Iowa Hawkeyes legend Dallas Clark was announced as a nominee for the National Football Foundation’s 2024 College Hall of Fame class. This is his third straight year on the ballot.
Clark is part of a 78-player Football Bowl Subdivision list of finalists for the Hall of Fame. It’s a list including some of the greatest players of the game. Alongside Clark’s name, you will find legends such as Larry Fitzgerald, Marvin Harrison, Steve Hutchinson, and Terrell Suggs amongst many others.
Clark was one of the fan favorites of the early Kirk Ferentz era at the University of Iowa. Clark was a unanimous first-team All-American in 2002, bringing home the Mackey Award for the best tight end in the nation. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection who helped Iowa to a share of the 2002 Big Ten title and its first-ever 11-win season.
Clark finished his Iowa career with 81 grabs for 1,281 receiving yards with eight scores. He was one of the first of the illustrious tight end lineage at the University of Iowa, really helping set the bar for the position. This was the benchmark of greatness for all others since to follow: from his great collegiate career to his first-round NFL draft selection.
Dallas Clark had a largely successful run in the NFL, mostly with the Indianapolis Colts. Clark played 11 seasons in the NFL, totaling 5,665 receiving yards and 53 touchdowns. He would win a Super Bowl championship with the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.
Clark is a true example of the Iowa way of football, coming a long way since his start as a walk-on linebacker for the program.
Former Hawkeye offensive tackle Robert Gallery recently joined the NFF Hall of Fame’s 2023 class. The Outland Trophy winner might soon be joined by the Mackey Award winner.
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