One of the more interesting stories that surfaces year after year, is the production of NFL talent that comes from a little school in north central Iowa. It has been compared to the likes of the larger schools in the talent rich states of Florida and Texas, but per capita, has likely put more kids in the NFL than any other school in America. We are, of course, talking about Aplington-Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, Iowa.

One of the individuals, the first, to come from Parkersburg to Iowa City, Iowa and on to the NFL, was Casey Wiegmann. Casey actually played for Parkersburg High prior to the two schools consolidating, which is happening more and more across the state. He was coached by Ed Thomas, who is still at AP, piling up wins and state play-off appearances. Ed has coached teams to three state titles and finished second on at least three other occasions. This year, AP won their district title in class 2A. They begin playoff action next Wednesday night, but won’t know who they play until games are over tonight.

Casey is a class act and was kind enough to take time during the midst of a very busy NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs to share a few thoughts with us about the time he spent in high school, at Iowa and now in the NFL.

A diamond in the rough, Casey had just two scholarship offers his senior season at Parkersburg, one from Iowa State, the other from Hayden Fry and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Was there ever a doubt about which offer to take? Casey’s answer pretty much says it all: “I had been a Hawkeye fan growing up. To wear the Black and Gold really means a lot to kids in the state of Iowa. I knew where I wanted to go.”

His relationship with Thomas remains a close one and is quick to credit Thomas for getting him the opportunity to play at the next level. “I had a good relationship with Coach Thomas. He is the real reason I received offers from both schools. He helped me with the entire recruiting process,” said Casey. “To this day, he is still close to me. I always stop by when I go home to Parkersburg. He means so much to so many former players and also to many people in the communities of both Parkersburg and Aplington.”

“One of the most important lessons he taught me was to never quit”, said Casey, “not a job or a play.” Another thing that Casey learned from his former head coach was that good things happen to good people. You have to look no further than the 6’2”, 285 pound center to know that the statement is true and that he lives by both.

Casey started his NFL Career in Indianapolis. Like most rookies, it was pretty uneventful. He spent most of his time there on the practice squad, being activated briefly on two occasions. He never saw action with the Colts and was released half-way through his first season.

The next day, he had a new home with a new team, the New York Jets. I could be mistaken, but I believe that Bill Parcells was the head coach there at the time. Once again, his activity was limited. He saw action in three games, all on special teams. He was released from the Jets on September 23, 1997.

Once again, the following day, he had another new home. This time, the Chicago Bears grabbed Casey off the waiver wire. He was closer to home! Things didn’t start well in Chicago, however, as Casey was sidelined with a shoulder injury the next nine games. He was his first action in a Bears uniform a couple days before Christmas of that year.

Something changed between the end of 97 and the beginning of camp in 98, and a lot of it had to do with Casey. He was finally healthy and had a good showing when camp opened. He had maintained a positive attitude and hadn’t quit, even when he probably felt like it at times. He was justly rewarded for all his hard work and perseverance by being named the starting center for the Bears that year. He played in all sixteen games and on special teams. Casey had finally made it in the NFL, sort of.

In 1999, a battle ensued with the new kid on the block, Olin Kreutz. Olin had been drafted in 1998 as the 64th pick overall by the Bears. Casey and Olin fought it out, but in the end, Casey was once again serving time as a back-up and playing on special teams. But, Olin had a lot to learn.

The Bears played musical centers in 2000. Olin started six games, Casey ten. In three years with the Bears, Casey had become an instrumental part of the Bears plans, playing in all 48 regular season games. But at the end of 2000, Casey became an un-restricted free agent and moved yet again, to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs were looking for a replacement for perennial All-Pro Center Tim Grunhard and found what they were looking for in Wiegmann. “They welcomed me with open arms,” said Casey. “That helped take some of the pressure off of having to replace a guy like Grunhard.”

“I think I’m playing the best football of my life here in Kansas City and I think the people (media) are beginning to see that I’m playing as well or better than Tim did.”

Kansas City is the only undefeated team left in the NFL at 8-0, Casey is once again quick to credit a coach for the teams transformation. “Without a doubt, Coach Vermeil is the reason this team is where its at today,” said Casey. “He is the reason I came to Kansas City and the reason why others have come in via free agency. He is big on character and feels you can win with football players that have more character and are good, rather than having great players, but little character. Everybody believes in what he says and it carries over to so much more than football.”

Sound familiar? I think there is another coach that carries those same beliefs with him every day in Iowa City. With an off week for the Chiefs, Casey has been named as the honorary captain for the Hawks this week as they take on rival Illinois.

Never giving up, and yet, remaining a very approachable, “good” person, among many who lose site of that in the NFL. I’m pretty sure you won’t find a better person than one of the Hawks very own, Casey Wiegmann.

Name: Casey Wiegmann

Age: 30

Family: Single

Currently Resides: Overland Park, KS

Current Occupation: Center for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL.

Years played at Iowa: Four, plus a redshirt year

Position: Center

Team and/or Post Season Honors: All Big-Ten, All-American, Sun Bowl Champs

List any professional football experience and years (NFL,CFL,NFL Europe, etc): ½ year with Indianapolis, 1 year with the Jets, 3 ½ years with the Bears and this is my 3rd year with the Chiefs.

Most memorable moment: Being chosen as captain my senior year.

Most Memorable quote: “Never give up, never give up”

What did you take with you from your time at Iowa that has helped you off the field: Treat people with respect and you will get respect in return.

Impressions of the current team and staff: I respect what the players are doing for fans of Iowa football. They are playing as hard as they can every week and doing a great job of believing in the system and what Coach Ferentz is teaching them. I’m not really sure how much talent is there because I have been away for so long, but I do know that what they are accomplishing is being done as a team. Everyone is helping everyone and that wins games. As far as the coaches, I can’t say enough about the coaching staff and what they have done on the football field. It’s what they do off the field, all of them, starting with Kirk, developing the reputation of great family guys and great people. I know that for a fact, because every time I swing by the complex, they are talking to me making sure everything is going well for me. Now, I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I wasn’t coached by any of these guys and they still care enough to make sure everything is OK. They have truly picked up on the aspect of knowing what a “True Hawk” really is and I’m proud of them for that. I was coached by one of the greatest all time coaches, Hayden Fry, and I am not afraid to tell people all the time that I would definitely play for Coach Ferentz and his staff.

Do you stay in touch with former players? If so, whom: I lot of guys I played and roomed with over the years: Ryan Driscoll, Mark Roussell, Ryan Abraham, Randy Reiners, Jared DeVries, Aaron Kampman, Coy Dalton, Jeremy Troug and many others.

Do you keep up with how the Hawkeyes are doing? OF COURSE!

How often do you get back to Iowa City?: Not often enough. ONCE A HAWK, ALWAYS A HAWK!!!!!!