There were few better in the return game and on defense than former Hawkeye Football legend Desmond King.
King electrified the Kinnick Stadium crowd on more than one occasion with his dynamic returns and his timely interceptions on defense.
His best interception came amidst his record-setting junior season, where he compiled eight interceptions for the Iowa defense.
During that 2015 season, King intercepted a wayward Maryland pass and took it 88 yards to the house.
King finished his Iowa career with 14 total interceptions, and he is the only player in the Big Ten in the last 20 years to compile over 12 career interceptions and over 1,500 combined return yards.
King has been hanging out in Iowa City a lot this year to provide leadership and mentor some of the defensive players, and we might be seeing him a little more after his recent announcement.
Officially Retired! BOLT UP ⚡️
— Desmond E. King II (@blaqbadger14) December 10, 2025
With four simple words, King quietly announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens.
King showed his love for the Chargers by adding "BOLT UP" to his announcement, which bodes well for Hawkeye fans and the Iowa program.
King was seen on the sidelines during practice throughout the year after not signing with an NFL team this season, and his wisdom could be a massive benefit to the program if he spends more time around campus.
The former Hawkeye great is one of the best defensive backs to ever play in a Hawkeye uniform, and the program would greatly benefit from anything he could add to the coaching staff.
There has been no official announcement from Kirk Ferentz or the program on whether King will join the staff in any capacity, but having him around the program can only benefit the team.