The "Outlaw" is back in town! Josey Jewell was named as an honorary captain

The "Outlaw" is back in town!

Former Iowa star linebacker Josey Jewell will make his return to Kinnick Stadium in a different capacity this weekend as the Hawkeyes battle the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

During his time with the Hawkeye program, Iowa won three of the four games against Minnesota, including three straight from 2015 to 2017.

Jewell is nicknamed the "Outlaw" because his parents named him after a Clint Eastwood character from the movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales."

Not only is he named the "Outlaw" after a movie, but he was a dominant force for the Hawkeyes in the middle of the defense as a middle linebacker and captain.

During his dynamic career in the center of the Hawkeyes defense, Jewell tallied 433 total tackles (211 solo, 22 assisted), 20 passes defended, 9.5 sacks, 6.0 interceptions, and 2.0 forced fumbles.

Before Iowa welcomes Minnesota to Kinnick Stadium this weekend, the program announced that Jewell will return in a new capacity.

Jewell was named as an honorary captain for this weekend's contest against the Golden Gophers. Jewell will accompany the team in the locker room before and after the game, and at midfield for the coin toss.

Jewell has had a stellar career in the NFL, playing his first six seasons with the Denver Broncos after they selected him with the No. 106 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

During week 16 of the 2024 season in his first year with the Carolina Panthers, Jewell suffered a concussion and was released in July.

The Panthers have not ruled out a future reunion with Jewell, but the organization wants him to fully focus on his recovery.

Through his seven-year NFL career, Jewell has tallied 549 total tackles (314 solo, 235 assisted), nine fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, and three interceptions.