Fansided

Picking the Sports Mount Rushmore for all 50 states

By Dave Stevenson

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 02: Detail of baseballs during batting practice to the MLB opening day game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 02: Detail of baseballs during batting practice to the MLB opening day game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Iowa

Iowa is well known for its wrestling. So, naturally, Iowa Hawkeyes head wrestling coach Dan Gable is the first member of Iowa’s Mount Rushmore. Gable had an impressive college career, only losing one match (his last). He went on to dominate in the 1972 Summer Olympics by winning a gold medal. Gable later coached the Hawkeyes to 15 national titles and coached a lot of great wrestlers.

Nile Kinnick played football at Iowa and won the 1939 Heisman Trophy. He was Iowa’s first true football star. Kinnick had opportunities to play professional football, but chose to pursue other endeavors. He later joined the United States Navy and died during World War II. The Hawkeyes football stadium is named after him.

Roger Craig played in the NFL from 1983 to 1993. He is best known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Craig was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. He won three Super Bowls and was named the NFL MVP in 1989.

Kurt Warner calls Iowa his home, as he was born in Burlington Iowa and starred for Northern Iowa in college. He also served as a graduate assistant for Northern Iowa before joining the Arena Football League. His success there eventually led him to the NFL, where he had a storied career. Warner led the St. Louis Rams to one Super Bowl victory and another appearance. He also led the Arizona Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance.

Next: Oklahoma