Former Hawkeye Humpal motivates team as honorary captain

Doing things the right way: Former University of Iowa linebacker Mike Humpal speaks to the team Friday after practice while UI head coach looks on.

Sept. 25, 2010

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Mike Humpal was a teammate with several of the current University of Iowa football players when Humpal starred as a linebacker for the Hawkeyes from 2005-07. Following a walk-through Friday, Humpal delivered a motivational message to the team as it prepares for Ball State on Sept. 25.

"When you're going through here you hope you do things the right way," Humpal said. "You want to make sure you treat people the right way and this is a sign that maybe I did OK."

Humpal graduated in spring, 2007, with a degree in health and sports studies. He resides in Coralville and works as a sales representative selling implants for another former Hawkeye, Jason Olejniczak, at Biomet.

"Now I'm getting ready for deer season to start," Humpal said.

Humpal was named an Iowa co-captain prior to the 2007 season. He joined running back Albert Young as a co-winner of the team's Most Valuable Player Award following the 2007 season.

Humpal was a two-year starter for the Hawkeyes. He was a four-time member of the Big Ten's all-Academic team. As a senior he led the Hawkeyes in tackles with 123. That figure is the 27th best seasonal tackle total in Iowa history. He led the Big Ten in tackles per game (11.8) in 2007.

The New Hampton, Iowa, native had 197 career tackles and six interceptions. He played in the 2008 Hula Bowl all-star game and was drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Humpal will accompany the Iowa captains to the center of the field for the pregame coin-flip. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game and on the sidelines during the contest.

Mike Humpal named honorary captain

In this 2007 photo, Iowa linebacker Mike Humpal tackles Illinois quarterback Isiah Williams.

Hawk Central

September 23, 2010

Former Iowa linebacker Mike Humpal will serve as the Hawkeyes’ honorary captain during Saturday’s game against Ball State at Kinnick Stadium.

Humpal was a co-captain for the 2007 season, and the shared team most valuable player honors with running back Albert Young that season.

Humpal was a two-year starter and four-time member of the Big Ten Conference’s all-academic team. As a senior he led the Hawkeyes in tackles with 123. That figure is the 27th best seasonal tackle total in Iowa history. He led the Big Ten in tackles per game (11.8) in 2007.

The New Hampton native had 197 career tackles and six interceptions. He played in the 2008 Hula Bowl and was drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft by Pittsburgh.

Humpal will accompany the Iowa captains to the center of the field for the pre-game coin-flip. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game and on the sidelines during the contest.

Training with Humpal multi-sport camp

June 27, 2010

By Danielle Wagner

NEW HAMPTON (KWWL) Former Iowa Hawkeye football player and Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Humpal is once again hosting his Training with Humpal multi-sport youth camp.

Boys and girls entering second through eighth grade are invited to attend this year's camp in New Hampton.

The day features coaching from football players, wrestlers and volleyball players.

This year's Training with Humpal is July 17 at New Hampton High School. If you register before July 10th, the cost is $50.

All proceeds benefit local charities and help fund two scholarships.