Austin Blythe, a native of Williamsburg, Iowa, was a standout on the Hawkeyes’ offensive line, earning first-team Freshman All-American honors and starting 44 consecutive games. He was named to Iowa’s Leadership Group for four straight years and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition in 2013. Blythe was named second-team All-Big Ten by league coaches in 2014 and 2015, and he became one of three finalists for the prestigious Rimington Trophy in 2015, awarded to the nation’s most outstanding center. Drafted by the Colts in 2016, Blythe played for the Rams during their 2019 Super Bowl run, and later for the Chiefs and Seahawks. In Seattle, he started at center and helped lead the team to the playoffs. After the 2022 season, Blythe announced his retirement from the NFL, capping off an impressive professional career.