Iowa State Football: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Iowa State University's football program, the Iowa State Cyclones, has a storied history dating back to 1892. Over the years, numerous talented athletes have donned the cardinal and gold, leaving their mark on the program and achieving success at the professional level. This article highlights some of the most notable Iowa State football alumni who have excelled in the National Football League (NFL) and beyond.
NFL Draft History and Notable Selections
Since the first NFL draft in 1936, Iowa State has had 142 players drafted into the league through the 2023 NFL draft. While the Cyclones have produced many NFL players, only two have been selected in the first round: George Amundson (14th overall in 1973) and Will McDonald IV (15th overall in 2023).
Draft Order and Selection Process
The NFL draft is an annual event where NFL teams select eligible college football players. The current draft rules, established in 2009, give the team with the worst record from the previous season the first pick, followed by the next-worst team, and so on. Teams that did not make the playoffs are ordered by their regular-season record, with ties broken by strength of schedule.
Early Competition and the Common Draft
In 1944, the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) was established, creating competition with the NFL. Later, the American Football League (AFL) also operated in direct competition with the NFL. This competition led to bidding wars for top prospects. To resolve this, the two leagues merged on June 8, 1966, and agreed to hold a "common draft."
Iowa State in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
While there are currently no Iowa State alumni enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, several former Cyclones have enjoyed successful and impactful NFL careers.
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Standout Iowa State Alumni in the NFL
Matt Blair (LB, 1974-1985)
Matt Blair, a linebacker, was a standout player at Iowa State, earning recognition as the Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the 1971 Sun Bowl and a 1973 All-American. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (51st overall) of the 1974 NFL Draft, Blair had a remarkable 12-season career.
Blair earned six Pro Bowl selections (1977-1982) and a first-team All-Pro selection in 1980. He played in 160 games, starting 130, and recorded 23 sacks, 16 interceptions, and 20 fumble recoveries. Blair is also known for his special teams prowess, ranking third in NFL history with 20 blocked kicks, including a notable blocked punt in Super Bowl IX. Inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor in 2012, Blair passed away in 2020 at the age of 70.
Keith Sims (G, 1990-2000)
Keith Sims had a stellar career with the Cyclones, leading to his selection as the 39th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 1990 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the Iowa State Hall of Fame in 2006.
Sims was a key part of the Dolphins' offensive line, protecting Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1993-1995, as well as second-team All-Pro honors in 1994. After eight seasons in Miami, Sims played his final three seasons for Washington. Overall, he started in 133 of his 142 career games, including all seven of his playoff games.
Marcus Robertson (DB, 1991-2002)
Marcus Robertson was a standout defensive back during his time at Iowa State. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. Iowa State inducted Robertson into its Hall of Fame in 2009.
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Robertson primarily played free safety during his 12 professional seasons. In 1993, he was named first-team All-Pro after recording 82 total tackles, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Robertson remained with the organization through its transition to the Tennessee Titans and played a key role in the team's Super Bowl XXXIV appearance. After two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Robertson retired at age 33. He started in 144 of his 162 career games, finishing with 24 interceptions and 72 passes defensed.
Robertson has remained involved in professional football, serving as a coach for several NFL teams, including the Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, and currently the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints.
Kelechi Osemele (T, 2012-2020)
Kelechi Osemele's impressive 2011 season at Iowa State earned him All-American honors from Sports Illustrated and a first-team All-Big 12 selection. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round (60th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Osemele started all 16 regular-season games as a rookie, contributing to the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII victory. After several seasons with Baltimore, he signed a lucrative contract with the Oakland Raiders in 2016, becoming one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL. Osemele earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017 and was named first-team All-Pro in 2016. Injuries plagued his later years, and he eventually retired after stints with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.
Brock Purdy (QB, 2022-Present)
Brock Purdy, famously known as "Mr. Irrelevant" for being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the most prominent NFL players to emerge from Iowa State. Despite his draft position, Purdy has made a significant impact on the San Francisco 49ers.
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Purdy's collegiate achievements include three All-Big 12 selections and 32 Cyclones program records. After rising from the bottom of the 49ers' depth chart, Purdy led the franchise to consecutive NFC Championship Games and Super Bowl LVIII. In his first 25 career games, he threw for 5,654 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. As a starter, he holds a 17-4 regular-season record.
Other Notable Iowa State Football Alumni
Seneca Wallace (QB, 2001-2002)
Seneca Wallace was a dynamic quarterback known for his dual-threat capabilities. During his time at Iowa State, he accumulated 5,289 passing yards, 912 rushing yards, and 41 total touchdowns. Wallace led the Cyclones to an 8-5 record and a Humanitarian Bowl appearance in 2002.
Allen Lazard (WR, 2014-2017)
Allen Lazard was a standout wide receiver who set numerous school records, including career receptions (197), receiving yards (2,621), and touchdown catches (19). He earned two First-Team All-Big 12 selections. Lazard has gone on to a successful NFL career, playing for the Green Bay Packers and currently with the New York Jets.
Troy Davis (RB, 1994-1996)
Troy Davis is renowned as one of the most prolific running backs in college football history. He is the only player in NCAA history to rush for over 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons (1995 and 1996). In 1996, he was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
George Amundson (QB/RB, 1969-1972)
George Amundson was a versatile player who excelled as both a quarterback and running back. In 1972, he became Iowa State's first-ever first-round NFL Draft pick.
Mike Stensrud (DT, 1975-1978)
Mike Stensrud was a defensive standout, earning All-American honors in 1977 and 1978. He led the Big Eight Conference in sacks in 1977 with 15 and recorded a career-high 115 tackles that season.
Ellis Hobbs (CB, 2001-2004)
Ellis Hobbs was a lockdown cornerback who earned All-Big 12 honors. He finished his college career with 209 tackles and 9 interceptions. Hobbs went on to a successful NFL career, including a Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots.
Karl Nelson (OT, 1979-1982)
Karl Nelson was an dominant offensive tackle who earned All-American honors. Nelson played in the NFL for the New York Giants.
David Montgomery (RB, 2016-2018)
David Montgomery was a standout running back who rushed for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns during his time at Iowa State, earning All-Big 12 honors. He has continued his career in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.
Statistical Leaders of Iowa State Football
The Iowa State Cyclones football program recognizes individual statistical leaders in various categories, including passing, rushing, total offense, receiving, and defensive stats. These lists identify single-game, single-season, and career leaders. The school's official record book considers the "modern era" to have begun in 1943, even though Iowa State began competing in intercollegiate football in 1892. These lists are updated through the 2025 season. Total offense is the sum of passing and rushing statistics.
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