Former Hawkeye teammates named All-Pro Second Team

Posted on January 12, 2013 in Uncategorized

In 2005, Chad Greenway was already an All-Big Ten Linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes while Marshal Yanda was putting on the black and gold for the first time. After their performance during the 2012 NFL season, they now can be called teammates once again after both being selected by the Associated Press to the All-Pro Second Team.

Greenway was a 3x selection to the Big Ten All-Conference teams during his time with the Hawkeyes. He was a 2nd Team AP All-American after his Senior season which resulted in his being selected in the 1st Round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Yanda transferred to the Hawkeye program after two seasons at NIACC. He ended up starting every game over his two seasons at Iowa, moving all over the Offensive Line in the process. He started out as a Left Guard, moved to Right Tackle and eventually to Left Tackle while the team shuffled him around. He never missed a beat, garnering All-Conference honors his Senior season and eventually being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 3rd Round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

The Rookie season for Chad Greenway was one spent on the sideline, after tearing his ACL in his first NFL Preseason game. Yanda played in every game his Rookie season, starting 12 of the 16. Greenway recovered and has not missed another game for the Vikings since, playing in every game over the next 6 seasons while recording over 100 tackles in all but one season. (In 2009, Greenway had 99 tackles) Yanda battled injuries over his first couple seasons but has become a rock ever since and started every game he has played over the past three years. He missed two games this season while battling knee, shoulder and ankle injuries.

Finishing in the top 4 in Tackles in the NFL the past three seasons, Greenway has become a defensive stalwart for Minnesota. He was named to the Pro Bowl last season as well as this season. Yanda can claim the same. His play in the trenches as been recognized by many and he is widely considered to be one of the best internal Lineman in the game. His play has helped the Ravens become a constant Playoff team and bolstered the play of their running attack.

For the two former teammates, success has come with a lot of hard work and dedication to their profession. They have been rewarded both financially and now are garnering the respect of their peers and the Associated Press.  They are the first former Iowa players to be named to the same All-Pro team since 2009, when Dallas Clark & Nate Kaeding were honored. The Iowa Hawkeye football program continues to be represented well at the next level.