Introduction

When it comes to college football, few names are as revered as Larry Station, the star linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 1980s. Station’s impressive career spanned four seasons, during which he became one of the most dominant players in college football history. From his humble beginnings in tiny, rural Clarinda, Iowa, to his status as a legend of the game, this blog post will explore Larry Station’s journey and the moments that defined his unforgettable football career.

The Early Years of Larry Station

Larry Station was born in Clarinda, Iowa, a small town with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. Despite his humble beginnings, Station demonstrated early on that he had a natural talent for football. He played for Clarinda High School, where he was a star athlete and earned accolades for his outstanding performance on the field.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Station described his upbringing as “very blue-collar.” He explained that his parents instilled a strong work ethic in him and taught him to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. These values served him well as he embarked on his football career at the University of Iowa.

Station’s Career at Iowa

Station began his football career as a freshman at the University of Iowa in 1982. He quickly made an impact on the Hawkeyes’ defense and was named the team’s Most Valuable Freshman that year. Over the next three seasons, Station continued to dominate on the field, earning All-Big Ten honors each year and twice being named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Station’s most memorable game at Iowa came in 1985, when he led the Hawkeyes to an upset victory over the Michigan Wolverines. Station recorded 21 tackles in the game, including a crucial stop on fourth down late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win for Iowa.

Life After Iowa

After a spectacular college career, Station was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft. He played for the Steelers for two seasons before finishing his career with brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

After retiring from football, Station returned to Iowa to work as a youth counselor and coach at his alma mater, Clarinda High School. He later entered politics, serving as the mayor of Clarinda from 2014 to 2017.

Station’s Legacy

Today, Larry Station is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in college football history. He was inducted into the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Station’s legacy extends beyond his success on the field. He is widely respected for his humility, work ethic, and commitment to his community. In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Station summed up his philosophy on life: “You work hard, you respect others, and you give back to the community.”

FAQs

1. What position did Larry Station play?
Larry Station was a linebacker.

2. What teams did Larry Station play for?
Larry Station played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

3. When was Larry Station inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame?
Larry Station was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

4. What is Larry Station’s philosophy on life?
Larry Station’s philosophy on life is to work hard, respect others, and give back to the community.

5. Where did Larry Station grow up?
Larry Station grew up in Clarinda, Iowa.

6. What makes Larry Station a legend of college football?
Larry Station’s dominance on the field, combined with his humility, work ethic, and dedication to his community, make him a legendary figure in college football.

7. What is Larry Station doing now?
Larry Station is a former mayor of Clarinda, Iowa, and works as a youth counselor and coach at his alma mater, Clarinda High School.

Conclusion

Larry Station’s journey from a small town in Iowa to the pinnacle of college football is a testament to his hard work, determination, and natural talent. His legacy extends beyond his accomplishments on the field, as he continues to inspire admiration and respect for his humility, work ethic, and commitment to his community. Larry Station’s unforgettable football career will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the history of Iowa Hawkeyes football.