Most kids who grow up in Eastern Iowa dream about wearing the black and gold of the University of Iowa at some point in their lives.
Playing for the Hawkeyes means more, and program loyalty is something that you find in Iowa City, juxtaposed to what you find in most other places.
In the new era of limitless transfer opportunities for more money and playing time, players often do not have second thoughts about leaving a program for more playing time, but for veteran defensive lineman Luke Gaffney, no amount of money would have convinced him to leave.
Jumping ship was never in Luke Gaffney's plans
Gaffney grew up in Eastern Iowa, attending Linn-Mar High School in Marion, and it was always his dream to play for the Hawkeyes.
Whether it was tailgating or simply "bleeding black and gold," Gaffney always knew he wanted to play football for the University of Iowa. Even with the potential for more lucrative deals and more playing time, Gaffney persevered and never really considered leaving the program.
"You couldn't pull me apart from this place."@TheLMFootball alum Luke Gaffney grew up wanting to play for Iowa - and he's waited five years since his Linn-Mar days for a shot at starting for @HawkeyeFootball. pic.twitter.com/onauhv31DK
— Mitch Fick (@MCFick) April 11, 2026
Gaffney is entering his fifth season with the Iowa program, and he was asked by Iowa's News Now anchor Mitch Fick about why he stuck around for all these years.
Gaffney admitted that it was always a dream to play for the Hawkeyes, and he wants to finish the job he started all those years ago.
Even though the transfer portal has become a big part of collegiate athletics and money is being thrown around everywhere, Gaffney admitted, "you couldn't pull me apart from this place."
Loyalty is hard to come by in college sports these days, but it is the complete opposite in Iowa City, where playing for the Hawkeyes simply means more than chasing a big payday.
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