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Two former Iowa stars in the NFL gave us the linemen banter we never knew we needed

Just two OL giving the people what they want
ByJordan Underwood
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Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Iowa program has recently become an NFL linemen factory, and two former linemen gave us a viral moment no one saw coming.

On paper, a week-six matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't look exciting, but the interleague game proved to be that and more. Pittsburgh was favored, with Tampa Bay in a freefall without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Jalon Daniels has performed well in his stead, but this game wasn't expected to be close. It took two late Aaron Rodgers touchdowns to give Pittsburgh an OT win, but the game's best moment happened well before the first snap.

Tristan Wirfs and Yahya Black's pregame banter has gone viral

Iowa has produced some of the best NFL linemen in the past few years, including two of the league's highest-paid offensive linemen. Tristan Wirfs is one of the highest-paid interior offensive linemen, and after signing a massive three-year, $81 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, former Hawkeye Tyler Linderbaum became the highest-paid center in NFL history. The program has a well-earned reputation for producing not only great NFL players, but also great people, and the hilarious banter between former Hawkeyes Tristan Wirfs and Yahya Black showcased that.

Linemen are a special breed, and often the funniest guys on the team. Black and Wirfs caught up before the game, chatting about how big they've gotten. Black asked Wirfs what he was at, and then followed that up by saying he looks huge. Wirfs then commented to his teammates that Black was definitely not that big when he went back to Iowa City to train, and has gotten way bigger. The end of the conversation was about the classic black-and-gold overalls that Iowa fans made famous. There is clearly some admiration between the two former Hawkeyes, and everyone wishes we could get linemen conversations like this every week.

Injuries have ravaged the Buccaneers this season, including starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, and they have started 1-5. Pittsburgh has been a pleasant surprise, winning some close games and beating some tough opponents through the first six weeks. Iowa players generally catch up with one another before or after games, but we likely won't have a funnier conversation than we got between Black and Wirfs. Both players have been crucial to their team's success, and that will continue throughout the season. The Iowa program is well-represented in the NFL, and that won't change as long as Kirk Ferentz is in charge.

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