Happy Fourth of July, Hawkeyes Nation. Hopefully, it’s a fantastic holiday as you’re gathering with friends and family and laying waste to some fireworks, grilling out to your heart’s delight, enjoying that second play-through of Independence Day or just enjoying a day off from work.
Iowa has a rich history over the years donning United States flag-themed helmet decals. The Hawkeyes’ Military Appreciation games have turned into quite the tradition. Obviously, the uniforms are fantastic and a fun change of pace from Iowa’s traditional getups, but the acknowledgement of the United States’ armed forces is the most important part.
Last year, Iowa took part in its Military Appreciation game in Iowa City by welcoming in the Minnesota Golden Gophers. After Minnesota took a 13-10 lead into the halftime break, the Hawkeyes responded with a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Padilla to former Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones.
Padilla added another 27-yard, second-half touchdown strike to wide receiver Keagan Johnson to help put the finishing touches on a 27-22 Iowa victory. At the time, the win moved the Hawkeyes to 8-2 overall and 5-2 in Big Ten play on the season. It was one of the signature, late-season wins that helped propel the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten West division title.
It also meant the Floyd of Rosedale stayed in Iowa City for a seventh consecutive season. Needless to say, Iowa has had some memorable moments sporting U.S.-themed headgear. Here’s a trip down memory lane from the past decade of the Star-Spangled Hawkeyes.