Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On March 26, 1982, legendary Iowa Hawkeye and NFL kicker Nate Kaeding was born in Iowa City. A legendary multisport athlete at Iowa City West, Kaeding went on to a Hall of Fame career at the University of Iowa before embarking on a long career in professional football.
Born and raised in Johnson County, Kaeding played for Iowa City West High School. A standout athlete for the Trojans, Kaeding appeared in state championship contests for West in basketball, soccer, and football. Kaeding proved a dominant weapon on the gridiron and helped the Trojans to back-to-back state championships while earning recognition as the Iowa High School Athlete of the Year in 2000.
Kaeding stayed local to kick for the Hawkeyes, where he went on to gain distinction as the all-time total point scoring leader for Iowa football. A starter as a freshman, Kaeding etched himself into Hawkeye lore when he hit four field goals, including a 47-yard game winner, in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. Kaeding captured First-Team All-American in 2002 and 2003, as well as the Lou Groza Award for the best intercollegiate placekicker in 2002.
Drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, Kaeding went on to a successful nine-year career in professional football. A two-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro selection, the Iowa City native hit 86.2% of his field goal attempts and 99.4% of his extra point attempts over his pro career. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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