Caitlin Clark, Nile Kinnick Stand Together

Hawkeye Greats Achieve, Follow Similar Off-Field Approach to Greatness

IOWA CITY, Iowa - An athlete is remembered for their performance on the field of play. Their destiny is often defined by words. Two University of Iowa athletes have put that into focus, 84 years apart.

Nile Kinnick’s Heisman Trophy acceptance speech at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City on Dec. 6, 1939, touched the hearts of a country embroiled in war.

When he got up to speak, Kinnick credited his coach at Iowa, Dr. Eddie Anderson, and his teammates. He thanked the nation’s sportswriters for their votes.

“And I would like, if I may, to make a comment which I think is appropriate at this time,” Kinnick said. “I thank God that I was born to the gridiron of the middle west and not to the battlefields of Europe. I can speak confidently and positively that the football players of this country would rather fight for the Heisman Trophy than for the Croix de Guerre.”

Caitlin Clark’s emotionally-charged words after Iowa’s April 2 loss to LSU in the national title game, resonated as well.

“I hope my legacy will be the impact that I can have on young kids and the people of the state of Iowa,” Clark said. “And I hope I brought them a lot of joy this season. I hope the team brought them a lot of joy.”

Kinnick and Clark are among a handful of Hawkeyes to be named the best in their given sport. In addition to his Heisman, Kinnick was also presented the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards after leading the famed Ironmen to a 6-1-1 record. The Hawkeyes had been 1-6-1 the year before.

Clark swept national player of the year honors in 2023, leading Iowa to a school-record 31 victories, its first Final Four appearance since 1993 and first appearance ever in the women’s national title game.

Kinnick and Clark are part of an elite group to be named the best in his or her given sport in a season. Iowa center Megan Gustafson was the consensus national player of the year in 2019. Another center, Luka Garza, did the same thing on the men’s side in 2021. Spencer Lee won wrestling’s Dan Hodge Award in 2020, and shared it in 2021. Brent Metcalf also won the award in 2008 and Mark Ironside in 1998. Quarterback Brad Banks was named the Associated Press National Player of the Year in 2002.

The fact that Gustafson, Lee, Garza and Clark have been named the best since 2019 shows what a special five-year window it’s been.

But Kinnick and Clark stand out, two Iowa natives who cemented their legacies with one special season.

Kinnick, a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar, was a leader on the gridiron and in the classroom. His popularity was unmistakable. He was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year in 1939, beating out the Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio.

Those who watched Kinnkck play in person and listened to his words said the “Cornbelt Comet” had the makings of a political star some day. His maternal grandfather, George W. Clarke, was Iowa’s governor from 1912 to 1916.

Kinnick’s No. 24 was retired by the university. Iowa Stadium was renamed Kinnick Stadium in 1972. Part of his speech is still played before kickoff in the stadium that carries his name. Kinnick died a month shy of his 25th birthday.

A Naval aviator, he took off from the USS Lexington the morning of June 2, 1943 for a training mission in the Gulf of Paria, off the coast of Venezuela. The engine in his Grumman Wildcat failed because of an oil leak and he had to ditch the plane. Kinnick’s body was never found.

Clark’s story as a college student-athlete is still being told. But it’s a safe assumption that her No. 22 will be retired some day and join Gustafson’s No. 10 and Garza’s No 55 in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena rafters. Winning both the Naismith and Wooden Awards in 2023 guarantees that.

Clark’s long list of awards, and statistical accomplishments, are astounding. Even more impressive is the way she handles all the adoring fans who dream of being like her. The kids who chase her for autographs, wear Iowa jerseys, scream her name and want to be like her some day.

Her play has also ignited a fan base. Huge crowds followed Iowa on the road in the NCAA Tournament, and home games became sellouts. Advance ticket sales for 2023-24 season were put on hold because of overwhelming response.

Only a great player can make all that happen. And Clark is just that. But it’s the leadership she displays that makes her special.

When Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder was recruiting Clark out of Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, one of the things that impressed her was the leadership classes Caitlin was taking.

That leadership was on display at the toughest of moments, sitting on a podium and answering questions minutes after losing a chance at winning a national title.

It was back in 1993, in a Nike commercial, that Charles Barkley said he didn’t want to be your kid’s role model.

“Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids,” Barkley said.

Caitlin Clark embraces the opportunity to be a role model. She realizes that having an impact on young kids and the people of Iowa will grow the game she loves.

And that’s what a leader does.