Reactions...what if?

[Layoutman]

In no way shape or form am I predicting, advocating or reporting the following:

What if Josh Jacksons declines to participate in the Pinstripe bowl for fear of being injured and, in turn, having his draft stock plummet?

Please focus the discussion on your reaction to that request rather than start a "Josh would never do that!" argument.


Would it cheapen the seasonal awards he has already accrued so far this season?

Would you look at his Hawkeye career in a different light?

Would you consider his season complete if he didn't participate in the bowl game?

 

[David1979]

I would say, it's his decision. And would have no problem with it.

 

[theiacowtipper]

Yeah I’d be ok with it. If it was the Rose Bowl or the CFP, I’d feel differently.

 

[hawkeye bb n fb fan]

I would have no problem if Josh and or Josey say out the bowl game because they had really high draft grades and didn't want to risk injury. FWIW it sounds like he's playing

No it wouldn't cheapen the awards, plenty of top players do this

No, wouldn't look at Hawkeye career any different. He's still one of the best Hawkeyes DBs

Not sure, but probably yes

 

[JBO 7]

If they don’t already have it, they should buy some Insurance against injury.

 

[Qued18]

ok with it..then they should stay home and prep for the NFL

 

[mvhomerj]

Yeah I’d be ok with it. If it was the Rose Bowl or the CFP, I’d feel differently.

To me can't pick and choose. He's on full ride to play football, and no matter what you think, that's getting paid to play. He chooses not to play, opts for NFL, he pays back that year of college. I'm sure that will be pocket change for him but's it's the principle of it all.

 

[MepoDawg#]

Play, he owes it to all his teammates and coaches who have invested blood, sweat and tears along side him to help Iowa go out a winner this year. I understand not wanting to risk injury, but think about those seniors who will not play in the NFL and are still playing in the bowl game.

 

[Baddog-25]

I'd have a problem with it.Football is a "Team" sport. He's butted heads for 3 yrs. with many players that are not gonna be blessed with the opportunity that
has before him. I think if Your a teammate your to teammate til the end. JMO Fire away.

 

[TouchdownMyPants]

Would it cheapen the seasonal awards he has already accrued so far this season?
No
Would you look at his Hawkeye career in a different light?
Slightly. I understand the desire to do it, but I like teammates who help other teammates accomplish a goal.
Would you consider his season complete if he didn't participate in the bowl game?
Yes, no question it would be complete. Completely over, LOLz.

 

[mvhomerj]

Play, he owes it to all his teammates and coaches who have invested blood, sweat and tears along side him to help Iowa go out a winner this year. I understand not wanting to risk injury, but think about those seniors who will not play in the NFL and are still playing in the bowl game.

Damn straight skippy!!!

 

[C/Seahawk]

To me can't pick and choose. He's on full ride to play football, and no matter what you think, that's getting paid to play. He chooses not to play, opts for NFL, he pays back that year of college. I'm sure that will be pocket change for him but's it's the principle of it all.

Jackson has more than paid back the University for the full ride scholarship he received. Bowl games outside of the Semi-Finals are purely rewards for the players, coaches, schools and fans. If a player with a high draft grade and nothing left to prove elected to sit out this glorified exhibition, I wouldn't blame them one bit. Not when potential first round picks can lose tens of millions of dollars in the process. To suggest he pays back the University for that one year scholarship is ridiculous in my opinion. This bowl game is nothing more than a glorified exhibition, the regular season is over, Josh laid it on the line for the University and brought them a great deal of exposure this year based on his performance and fine representation of the University. He's earned the right to make the decision on his own without penalty.

 

[jdv77]

I would be disappointed if he sat, because football is a team sport and he would be letting down his teammates. To be a good teammate, you should always want to do your best to put the team in position to win. That sometimes involves a measure of sacrifice compared to individual achievement.

It would not really cheapen the season that he had, though. He was absolutely spectacular, and did his best on the big stage this season.

I do not think that sitting the bowl game would significantly affect his draft stock. He will get a solid grade from the evaluators. But as Desmond King demonstrated last year, you will only keep your grade by running well at the combine.

 

[Randall Stanhope]

Once you start a season with your teammates and coaches, you finish that season. Period. Barring injury.

 

[bigfridaynite]

JMO I think Josh needs a big bowl game to show the NFL GM'S more tape.
I'm one that thinks he is gone and I don't blame him.
A big bowl game could be the difference between 1st or 2nd round.

If anybody could skip the bowl game it would be Jewell but i know he just isn't wire that way.
Just say where and Josey going to show up to play.

A great effort in a game like this could speak loudly for several Hawks on draft day.

 

[Qued18]

well BC is horrible passing team
doubt they throw much to his side
stop the run and force them to pass

 

[scotthawk1964]

Iowa players are tough, they don't sit out bowl games like some of them Nancy Boys. LOL

 

[mvhomerj]

Jackson has more than paid back the University for the full ride scholarship he received. Bowl games outside of the Semi-Finals are purely rewards for the players, coaches, schools and fans. If a player with a high draft grade and nothing left to prove elected to sit out this glorified exhibition, I wouldn't blame them one bit. Not when potential first round picks can lose tens of millions of dollars in the process. To suggest he pays back the University for that one year scholarship is ridiculous in my opinion. This bowl game is nothing more than a glorified exhibition, the regular season is over, Josh laid it on the line for the University and brought them a great deal of exposure this year based on his performance and fine representation of the University. He's earned the right to make the decision on his own without penalty.

In short... BS. He hasn't paid the U of I squat, show me the money! You said he has more than paid back, how?

 

[Johnsoda123]

In short... BS. He hasn't paid the U of I squat, show me the money! You said he has more than paid back, how?

I'm pretty sure it isn't women's field hockey that funds the U of I Iowa Athletic Dept and motivates U of Iowa donars. The massive Big Ten payouts back to Iowa and the rest of the Big Ten isn't for televised wrestling matches.

 

[C/Seahawk]

In short... BS. He hasn't paid the U of I squat, show me the money! You said he has more than paid back, how?

Is it really that difficult to comprehend? Think about how often this season Jackson was featured for his on field performance and accolades on a national level. Free advertising for the University and more specifically the football program. The same will be true when he is drafted and standing on the podium shaking the hand of the commish and the ensuing time spent talking about him post draft. Jackson is playing on house money, not the universities. His performance along with those before him like king and others have established a very real path to the league for soon to be prospective student athletes that may or may not be considering Iowa at this point in time.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Yeah I’d be ok with it. If it was the Rose Bowl or the CFP, I’d feel differently.

Non-cfp Rose bowl doesn't do much for me now that the cfp ruined it!

As for sitting, I'd say it's a b1tch move(hawk or not)!
"sorry fellas....I'm too good to be playing with you guys!"

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Jackson has more than paid back the University for the full ride scholarship he received. Bowl games outside of the Semi-Finals are purely rewards for the players, coaches, schools and fans. If a player with a high draft grade and nothing left to prove elected to sit out this glorified exhibition, I wouldn't blame them one bit. Not when potential first round picks can lose tens of millions of dollars in the process. To suggest he pays back the University for that one year scholarship is ridiculous in my opinion. This bowl game is nothing more than a glorified exhibition, the regular season is over, Josh laid it on the line for the University and brought them a great deal of exposure this year based on his performance and fine representation of the University. He's earned the right to make the decision on his own without penalty.

A little food for thought....

Josh and Josey both came to Iowa as 2 stars guys that weren't even of interest to the majority of power 5 college football teams.
They are leaving Iowa future millionaires and NFL players(hopefully future stars). They need to show appreciation to the guys that helped them achieve that(coaches/ teammates) and play the game.

Thankfully, as scotthawk said, KF players are rarely the selfish type. Josh and Josey are both perfect examples and I'd be shocked to see one sitting out.

We often talk about how college football players get screwed(and there is certainly a case for some imo) but I'd bet a good portion of the hawkeye players that went pro feel they were more than fairly compensated for their time at iowa.

 

[soybean]

Play in the bowl game or not...Jackson owes us nothing.

 

[Herky T Hawk]

This bowl game is essentially an exhibition match. It has no importance to anyone other than the two schools playing. As an Iowa fan I would actually consider advising Jackson to sit it out if he is seriously getting a first round grade. No good could come of him playing in this game if that were true. Josey’s draft stock puts him in the position where he should play as it would look bad for a 3rd or so rounder.

 

[m.stoops2013]

To me can't pick and choose. He's on full ride to play football, and no matter what you think, that's getting paid to play. He chooses not to play, opts for NFL, he pays back that year of college. I'm sure that will be pocket change for him but's it's the principle of it all.

So he pays a whole year back for one game? Dumb.

 

[kceasthawk]

Play, he owes it to all his teammates and coaches who have invested blood, sweat and tears along side him to help Iowa go out a winner this year. I understand not wanting to risk injury, but think about those seniors who will not play in the NFL and are still playing in the bowl game.

That's something that is rarely brought up. Yes its his decision, and his future, but a lot of people have invested in his career, and given him the opportunity he has before him.

 

[kceasthawk]

This bowl game is essentially an exhibition match. It has no importance to anyone other than the two schools playing. As an Iowa fan I would actually consider advising Jackson to sit it out if he is seriously getting a first round grade. No good could come of him playing in this game if that were true. Josey’s draft stock puts him in the position where he should play as it would look bad for a 3rd or so rounder.

Again, I know this is an outdated way of looking at things, in todays ME first lifestyle, but its a team game, and none of these players get the job done on their own, or without the coaches. As for Jewell, he would never sit out the game IMHO. It's not in his DNA.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Being a first round draft pick in the NFL Draft is payment in itself for JJ and the Hawks. With all that money, Josh will be able to help the Hawks by making financial contributions for years to come if he budgets his money wisely.

Iowa Football will get the opportunity to use Josh's success as a point of reference when talking to recruits about playing the position now and in the future. Look at the high level kids now interested in playing at Iowa. D King and JJ have helped improve Iowa's ability to recruit at the dback position.

And not winning the Thorpe award has got to motivate JJ to play in this game by tearing it up one last game.

 

[kceasthawk]

For those saying he shouldn't play because this is a meaningless exhibition game. Is that what this is? I wouldn't be suprized if the same folks who say that ,will be the first ones on here bitching up a storm if Iowa plays badly and loses. Why, its a meaningless game? Is that really the way you hope the players go into this game, like it just doesn't matter? I would hope all the players would approach this game as a chance for a solid ending to this season and a springboard for the next. And that includes Josh Jackson, whether he returns or not.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

That's something that is rarely brought up. Yes its his decision, and his future, but a lot of people have invested in his career, and given him the opportunity he has before him.

And when he blows his knee out aLa Jake butt are those same people going to pay him what he would have made if he would have just walked across a stage and shaken a hand?

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Put me in the camp that says the individual should do what is best for them. With today's info on cte and one play from your last, the player needs to do what's best for the player.

 

[kceasthawk]

And when he blows his knee out aLa Jake butt are those same people going to pay him what he would have made if he would have just walked across a stage and shaken a hand?

I get that, I do, but where do you draw the line? After game five when you've lost three already, does the star say,"heh coach, I'm hanging em up, were not going anywhere this year"? Every single practice, drill or game gives the same chance for injury, many times even without contact. Before you add the, "this game doesn't matter", please answer my question a couple of posts up. "Is this a meaningless game for the Hawks".

 

[ANYCHawk]

How many guys got hurt in bowl games and saw their draft stock plumet? Like two in 20 years?

This whole concern is silly. You could just as well blow out your knee running sprints trying to get your 40 time down.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

It's way more than that there just wasn't the focus. I draw the line at "it isn't my body and my future so it isn't my decision."

 

[Herky T Hawk]

Where do I draw the line between important and meaningless bowl games? Here's a list of the ones that the Big Ten could play in.

Utmost Importance (play unless you can't):
Playoffs
Orange/Fiesta/Cotton/Peach Bowls

Important (Play unless you have some injury that could get worse):
Citrus Bowl
Outback Bowl
Maybe the Holiday Bowl

Unimportant (Probably don't play if you're a guaranteed first rounder):
Everything else

Why do I have it that way?
The top section contains the cream of the crop bowls that lots of people will be watching. A great performance could improve your draft stock several spots meaning more money. Plus NFL teams probably wouldn't like a player quitting on their team going into the playoffs.

The middle section contain games against what should be good opponents that will have decent sized audiences on TV. Once again a possibility to move your draft stock a bit with a great performance.

The last section contains games against crappy opponents where basically nothing good can happen. If he has a 3 INT game against BC next week, does that matter to anyone outside of our two fan bases? If he did the same in the Rose Bowl you bet NFL people would take notice.

 

[iowahawkeyes1982]

This is the rest of his life we are talking about. If he wanted to sit, so be it.

 

[MepoDawg#]

Some calling the bowl game meaningless yet will be the fiedt to complain of Iowa loses. If you really believe the bowl game is meaningless I suggest polling the players and coaches to see what they think, I guarantee you’ll be surprised.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Iowa football is our Saturday entertainment. Football is an opportunity for players like Jackson and Jewell to make a living doing something they truly love. This. Is. Their. Life. So for some of you to sit on your high horse talking about what they "owe" you or the university... Eff that.

Assuming they play in the bowl game, I'll be happy given what they are potentially sacrificing for the team and program, and cheer for them to beat BC. If they decide to sit out (especially Jackson, since I assume it really isn't even an option for Josey) then I'll appreciate the contributions made to the Iowa program and cheer for them at the next level.

Regardless, players like Jackson and King are the reason that we've been able to land players like DJ Johnson over "dream school" Notre Dame and Dallas Craddieth over his host of other major D1 offers, as well as Hankins over Michigan etc... which is exactly why we need to be happy regardless of any Iowa player's respective decision when it comes to choosing between staying and going pro.

 

[kceasthawk]

Iowa football is our Saturday entertainment. Football is an opportunity for players like Jackson and Jewell to make a living doing something they truly love. This. Is. Their. Life. So for some of you to sit on your high horse talking about what they "owe" you or the university... Eff that.

Assuming they play in the bowl game, I'll be happy given what they are potentially sacrificing for the team and program, and cheer for them to beat BC. If they decide to sit out (especially Jackson, since I assume it really isn't even an option for Josey) then I'll appreciate the contributions made to the Iowa program and cheer for them at the next level.

Regardless, players like Jackson and King are the reason that we've been able to land players like DJ Johnson over "dream school" Notre Dame and Dallas Craddieth over his host of other major D1 offers, as well as Hankins over Michigan etc... which is exactly why we need to be happy regardless of any Iowa player's respective decision when it comes to choosing between staying and going pro.

So why exactly does it have to come down to "F" that? If you read my posts, I won't hold it against Jackson or anyone else. My point is,(and as usual no one has responded to this), at what point is this an issue? From the moment players start off season workouts in a couple of months, they are at risk for a career ending injury. I'd bet at least as many players get injured in practice or workouts as in actual games. Is it OK for a player who has received national acclaim to tell the coach he's not going to practice because he might get injured? What about in game six, when your team is 2-4? Where is the line where it becomes more about the individual, and not the team concept? How does this effect team chemistry? Do players start to worry more about stuffing their stats,(interceptions, sacks, etc..), then their assignments within the team concept? Do you really not understand how this kind of, (I'm only worried about me) concept can effect a sport where it is paramount that the individuals act as a unit? And if there is ANYONE in the football complex, (players, trainers, or coaches), who thinks this game is meaningless to Iowa football going forward, I'd like them to be removed.

 

[C/Seahawk]

Some calling the bowl game meaningless yet will be the fiedt to complain of Iowa loses. If you really believe the bowl game is meaningless I suggest polling the players and coaches to see what they think, I guarantee you’ll be surprised.

Of course its valuable to players and coaches, fans too. But it is an exhibition game and back to the original post/point, if a player with a high draft grade (first couple rounds) elected to sit out, I would not blame them one bit. I get a kick out of the folks arguing Josh Jackson owes it to others to play...that is an archaic line of thought. Yes, football is a team sport, but we also know a lot more about head injuries as it relates to football, and every play/game adds up on the players odometer. The purpose of college is to learn, grow and put yourself in a position to make a living in your field of expertise. Josh Jackson has accomplished that, as have 40 other players that are projected to be first round picks. If they elect to sit out bowl games that have no bearing on the national championship, I don't blame them in the least bit. A football players lifespan is limited, a player with pro potential needs to take that into account and allow for gainful employment in the NFL/CFL, etc. For the majority of college players, they will not earn a living playing football and the bowl game will be the last game they put the pads on, so I would argue the bowl game matters more to some than others.