Meet the Players
For decades, the football program at the University of Iowa has filled its ranks with young men who grew up in the "Hawkeye State", and included among those rosters were plenty of talented, driven young men who grew up on an Iowa farm or in a farming community. Their commitment to detail, acceptance of responsibility, sharp minds and solid work ethic were honed on farms of all sizes and in all corners of the state.
These hard-working young men remember the pride they felt when their farm heritage was shown to the world through the America Needs Farmers emblem. It's a feeling they carry with them today, long after they "swarmed" the playing field at historic Kinnick Stadium for the final time.
Their stories of what it takes to be Farm Strong are told here.
Matt Kroul
Mt. Vernon, IA
A Hawkeye from 2004 - 2008
Matt Kroul is part of a farm family that goes back to the 1860s. He grows produce, corn, and soybeans, and raises beef cows on his diversified farm. He’s involved with community-supported agriculture (CSA) and is an integral part of the local food system. Matt believes that losing agriculture would take away the foundation of what Iowa really is. It’s the small towns many of us live in, it’s the hundreds of products made from the crops farmers here grow, and it’s the perseverance against unpredictability and challenges. Matt is a shining example of why America Needs Farmers, embracing the mindset of “adapt, overcome, and succeed” that he showed on the field and puts to work on his farm.
Aaron Kampman
Kesley, IA
A Hawkeye from 1998 - 2001
Growing up in Kesley, Iowa, Aaron Kampman knew about planting, growing and harvesting long before he lettered in football for the University of Iowa. From an early age he understood the intricacies of farming from his grandparents – describing farmers as faithful, humble and hard-working. With the population of the world surpassing 7.6 billion people, Aaron knows farmers will step up to the plate to feed a growing population. He likens the togetherness of the farming community to the togetherness he experienced in the Hawkeye football locker room. Aaron feels ANF is a great celebration of our farmers and a wonderful reminder, that together we are greater than we are apart.
Robert Gallery
Masonville, IA
A Hawkeye from 1999 - 2003
Robert Gallery shares his story and farming legacy. Farming is something he's proud of, and something we can all be proud of as a state that helps to feed the world. He farms corn and soybeans, and knows that farming teaches you the values of hard work and doing things right.
Nate Kaeding
Iowa City, IA
A Hawkeye from 2000 - 2003
Iowa City-native, and NFL Pro-Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding has joined the roster of former Hawkeye and NFL stars supporting the ANF campaign to raise awareness about the food and energy options that today’s farmers provide. He has spent quite a bit of time on his aunt and uncle’s Muscatine County farm growing up, which has led to his deep-rooted respect for today’s farmers. Kaeding talks about why farming is especially important to him today now that he has started a second career as a restaurateur.
Chad Greenway
Mt. Vernon, SD
A Hawkeye from 2001 - 2005
Chad Greenway grew up on a family farm near Mount Vernon, South Dakota, where he helped his family grow crops and raise pigs. The work ethic and determination he learned on the farm has helped all throughout his career. Just as he puts it on the line every game day, he knows first-hand that farmers put it on the line every day to grow our country’s food and fiber. Greenway talks about the importance of farming and how it’s the foundation on which our country stands.
Dallas Clark
Livermore, IA
A Hawkeye from 1999 - 2002
Dallas Clark, a small-town Iowa boy from Livermore, takes great pride in his Iowa upbringing. Growing up in Iowa taught him the value of hard work and that no obstacle is too hard to overcome, the very same values he took to the football field everyday while playing at the University of Iowa where he earned All-American honors and was recognized as the top college tight end in the nation. Clark talks about his love for the state of Iowa, our farmers and why he's proud to be part of this ANF initiative.
Jared DeVries
Aplington, IA
A Hawkeye from 1995 - 1998
Jared DeVries grew up on a family farm near Aplington, Iowa, helping his father grow crops and learning values like hard work, dedication and determination. He took his farm-learned work ethic on to the University of Iowa, where he developed into an all All-Big Ten defensive tackle (1995-1998) and second-team All American. DeVries talks about ANF, what it means to him, our state and our country.
Casey Wiegmann
Parkersburg, IA
A Hawkeye from 1991 - 1995
Casey Wiegmann grew up in Parkersburg, Iowa and although he never farmed, his father has worked for John Deere for the past 35 years, so farming and agriculture have always been a part of his life. As a kid he helped local farmers by detassling. Wiegmann played at the University of Iowa from 1991-1995 and earned second team All-Big Ten honors as an offensive linemen. Wiegmann shares his thoughts on ANF, why it's important, and what it meant for him to wear the decal while playing for Hayden Fry.
Bruce Nelson
Emmetsburg, IA
A Hawkeye from 1998 - 2003
Bruce Nelson grew up on a family farm near Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he helped his family grow crops and raise livestock. According to Nelson, there’s a lot similarities between farming and football. You’re always working with what the environment gives you and once you get that dirt under your fingernails, it’s hard to get it out. That desire to preserve lives on. No one knows that better than Nelson, who after retirement from the NFL, continues to farm in his hometown of Emmetsburg. Nelson talks about the importance of ANF and why he’s proud to be one of many Iowa farmers who are not only feeding the world, but fueling it too!
Mike Haight
Dyersville, IA
A Hawkeye from 1981 - 1985
Hap Peterson
Bettendorf, IA
A Hawkeye from 1981 - 1985
Mike Haight and Hap Peterson were Co-Captains of the one of the greatest Hawkeye football teams of all time: the 1985 Hawkeyes, a team that went 10-1, won the Big Ten championship, spent five weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation and went to the 1986 Rose Bowl. Haight, a former All-Big Ten offensive lineman, and Peterson, a former All Big-Ten defensive lineman, talk about Hayden Fry's idea of putting ANF on their helmets during the '85 season to show support for our country's farm families who were struggling through a major farm crisis.
Hayden Fry
Iowa Hawkeye Head Coach from 1979 - 1998
