Iowa Football: Josey Jewell selected for Big Ten All-Decade Team

Former Iowa Hawkeye linebacker Josey Jewell was named to the Big Ten All-Decade team by Big Ten Network, joined by Michigan’s Devin Bush and Wisconsin’s Chris Borland as the three linebackers selected. 

THE OUTLAW JOSEY JEWELL!

Big Ten Network began announcing the “Big Ten All-Decade Team” today, starting with the running backs and linebackers who were deemed the best at their positions over the last ten years of Big Ten Football.

And our guy, the outlaw, Josey Jewell, the former Hawkeye, and current Denver Bronco made it! How about that for some much needed positive Hawkeye news?!

Josey Jewell came onto the scene for the Hawkeyes in 2014 after a redshirt year and quickly earned his spot, playing in 11 games and making four starts as a redshirt freshman. He would miss just one game for the rest of his career.

As a sophomore Josey launched to the team leader in tackles with 126 (led the Big Ten), while adding 3 sacks and 4 interceptions; one returned for a touchdown. As a junior, The Outlaw added 124 tackles (2nd in Big Ten) and 2 sacks. Both seasons earned him second-team All-Big Ten Honors.

But he wasn’t done yet. Josey’s senior season was his best yet, tallying 136 tackles while adding two interceptions and 4.5 sacks. His 136 tackles led the Big Ten and The Outlaw’s 11.3 tackles per game ranked fourth nationally.

Josey’s senior season will forever be etched in Hawkeye history and was (rightfully-so) capped with a handful of honors and awards:

Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year – Best linebacker in the Big Ten

Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year – Best defensive player in the Big Ten

Lott Trophy – Given to college football IMPACT (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity) player of the year.

Jack Lambert Award – Top College Linebacker

Unanimous All-American

Is that good?

I feel like that’s good.

When the dust settled and everything was all said and done at Iowa, Josey Jewell would rank 4th on the Hawkeyes all-time tackling ranks finishing with 437. Since 2005, he ranks second in the Big Ten in career tackles. He is one of just three Iowa players (Abdul Hodge 2003-2005, Larry Station 1983-1985) to record over 115 tackles in three seasons.

Jewell was the first sophomore under Kirk Ferentz to be named permanent team captain and was apart of the Iowa Leadership Group in all four of his (eligible) years.

Josey Jewell was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 4th round (Pick 108) in the 2018 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly to Hawkeye fans, Jewell has found a home in Denver and has seen action in 31/32 games and making 96 tackles in his first two years in the league.

It isn’t crazy to say Josey Jewell has been the best linebacker of the Kirk Ferentz Era. Personally, I don’t think it would be too out of line to call him the best linebacker in Iowa history.

When you consider the expectations Josey came in with as an undersized, under-recruited two-star recruit out of Decorah. I’d think everyone would have to agree that Josey was a home run (sorry, had no choice).

The Outlaw will go down as one of the ultimate recruiting steals not only in Iowa football but in Big Ten history.

Jewell’s leadership combined with his consistency and his production is lethal, as Hawkeye opponents saw week in and week out during his tenure as a Hawkeye. By all accounts, Josey has not only been a model Hawkeye but a model citizen. And I think I speak for all Hawkeye fans in being glad he is getting the lasting recognition he deserves.

Congratulations to Josey Jewell and Go Hawks!