When you get to college, there are a lot of surprises no one tells you about. One that is particularly unique to Iowa, however, is our obsession with Nile Kinnick. I knew the school had pride for their Heisman winner, but I didn’t realize it was this extensive. My first weekend at the University, we did On Iowa! (Go Hawks), and we all went to Kinnick to take our first class picture. Everything was as to be expected, and I loved the experience. I just didn’t see it coming when they sat us down on the field and showed us a video about Nile Kinnick. And guess what. This is not where my encounters with Nile end.
Over and over at this University, his name has been brought up. We play videos about him before football games, constantly adoring Nile. At first I didn’t really get it. I mean, I’ve been a Hawkeye my whole life and obviously could acknowledge that he had serious talent and drive, and I really respect the University for honoring this. It wasn’t until recently though, that I realized Nile Kinnick was actually the dream guy. Ladies, hold on to your black and gold stadium seats, this list is going to make you wish you had a Nile Kinnick of your own.
1. His physique
Okay, so this one is obvious. Nile Kinnick won the Heisman, Walter Camp and Maxwell trophies in 1939. Kinnick also played baseball and basketball his first year at Iowa, so he could really do it all. He was an amazing athlete, so he had to have had the body for it too.
2. He was smart
Almost nothing is more attractive than someone who is intelligent and works hard to be knowledgeable. Nile Kinnick was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, an honors fraternity. He graduated with a 3.4 from Iowa, which around finals time is making me feel a little ashamed of my own grades.
3. He was well liked
The way others view someone says a lot about a person, and a lot of people must have loved Nile Kinnick because he was senior class president. If Nile was your man, you could trust in him just like his fellow classmates did, and I’m sure he would never let you down.
4. He served his country
Nile Kinnick didn’t take anything for granted. When he accepted his Heisman trophy, he declared “ I thank God I was warring on the gridirons of the Midwest and not on the battlefields of Europe.” When he reported for duty on December 4, 1941, he did so courageously and without complaint. Nile Kinnick was proud to serve our country and was a dignified soldier. He lost his life in the fight, but Nile Kinnick was the type of person to work for what he thought was right, and we would be lucky to have a guy like that.
5. He has Midwestern values
Nile Kinnick was born in Adel, Iowa. Everything we’ve ever heard about Nile makes him out to be the perfect gentleman. He was the kind of guy that everyone got along with, and he was kind to each person he met. He never forgot where he came from either: Kinnick came back to Iowa to help coach the Hawkeyes before he reported to duty.
6. He was going to be a lawyer
Kinnick maintained a 3.4 GPA and that combined with his outstanding athletic career landed him offers from universities around the country. He turned them down though and instead chose to pursue a career in law at the University of Iowa, home of his beloved Hawkeyes. I can’t speak for everybody, but personally dreamy lawyer boyfriend sounds pretty darn good.
7. He was diplomatic
Kinnick was the grandson of the Governor and very well respected. He spoke publicly in a way that was mature and intelligent, and the Marion Sentinel published an article suggesting that Kinnick should run for president when he becomes old enough. He even introduced a presidential candidate at their campaign rally. I’m sure that his maturity and respectful nature would transfer into the conversations you would have with him as well.
8. He would probably be romantic
Nile Kinnick, all fact aside, just seems like he would be the type to sweep you off your feet or take you out dancing. He would probably trump all Valentine’s Days we’ve ever had and write us poetry or something. In fact, one of his final letters was recovered. He sent it to a female friend who was visiting Iowa City, and if this isn’t concrete evidence that Nile Kinnick is your dream guy, I don’t know what is. He writes:
“I am so glad you could speak enthusiastically of your visit to Iowa City. That little town means so much to me…It is almost like home. I love the people, the campus, the trees, everything about it. And it is beautiful in the spring…And I hope you strolled off across the golf course just at twilight and felt the peace and quiet of an Iowa evening, just as I used to do.”
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Sources:
http://espn.go.com/classic/000802nilekinnick.html