Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/89746
In spite of his success, Wiegmann didn't hear his name called during the 1996 NFL Draſt. That's when the characteristics woven into the fabric of America's farmers, and those who live, work, and play in farming communities — drive, determination, persistence, patience, and a "can-do" attitude — kicked in. With no call to answer on draſt day, Wiegmann did what an Iowa farmer would do: He went to work and eventually signed a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts, a move that put in motion a career that ended with Wiegmann recognized as a workhorse who was also among the very best at his position. He was a New York Jet for the 1996 and 1997 seasons, and a Chicago Bear for the next three years. Then, in 2001, he found a home: Kansas City. Wiegmann was a mainstay in the Chiefs' offensive line for eight of the next 10 seasons, a string that was interrupted by a two-year stint with the Denver Broncos. When he retired earlier this year, Wiegmann did so with active streaks of 175 consecutive starts and 11,162 consecutive snaps — remarkable numbers for a player who began his NFL career as an undraſted free agent. "There have been times (I thought the streak would end), but I'm here to play football, " Wiegmann told Josh Looney of the Kansas City Chiefs official website last December. "Even though there is pain in there, there is an understanding that you can't be out." Drive, determination, persistence, patience, and a "can-do" attitude… The ANF Wall of Honor salutes former University of Iowa football student-athletes who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic, and character of the Iowa farmer, qualities that have helped Iowa remain the leading agriculture state in the nation. Their names will be added to a plaque inside ANF Plaza which is located in the northwest corner of Kinnick Stadium. That plaque rests next to another that tells the story of ANF and the importance of farming. "We are so honored to have outstanding individuals such as Casey support our cause, " said Iowa Farm Bureau president Craig Hill, who joined Wiegmann and UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta on the playing field at Kinnick when Casey was introduced to 70,000 fans of the Hawkeyes on Oct. 20. "There may be fewer farmers than when coach (Hayden) Fry launched ANF during the 1980's Farm Crisis, but there are also more challenges with a growing global population. Players like Casey understand the value of hard work." "Casey was a natural choice as the first inductee. He is a role model for other student-athletes who understand the importance of persevering and always striving to do your best," said UI football coach Kirk Ferentz. "I got to play one year with (the ANF sticker) on my helmet and it meant a lot to me, " Wiegmann said. "I always made sure to keep it detailed and I still have a couple of them. To see the sticker on our helmet and to know what it stands for is pretty special. "I'm not very good at accepting awards," Wiegmann added. "It's not in my nature. It's kind of the offensive line way we do things. However, this, given the fact that there are so many guys so deserving, well, it's a pretty special deal. " Drive, determination, persistence, patience, and a "can-do" attitude… "I've learned a lot of stuff from a lot of great football players," Wiegmann added during his visit with Looney. "I've been taught a lot of things through my years, even family values and everything else. You kind of take that with you wherever you go and you take that to heart. Hopefully I can pass some of that on to the younger players and help them succeed. " Then, Looney wrote: A native of blue-collar Parkersburg, Iowa — an agricultural town of about 1,900 people in northeastern Iowa — Wiegmann would be just as likely to fade anonymously into an Iowa cornfield than hold a news conference announcing his retirement prior to a season officially ending. "I've already got my own plan," Wiegmann said. "I called my best friend last night and we have our own business. I'll probably be (in Iowa) next weekend doing stuff to help out around our land. There is work to be done. " Work indeed. Wiegmann's next chapter will be behind the wheel of a tractor, joining the ranks of Iowa's FarmStrong families as a farmer himself. Drive, determination, persistence, patience, and a "can-do" attitude… 26