Another Kirkwood Success Story ...

Per Wikipedia, Ewell Doak Walker, Jr. [1927 - 1998] was born in Dallas, married his high school sweetheart, re-married an Olympic skier named Skeeter and died as a result of injuries suffered in a skiing accident.

However, this is not the story of an amorously indecisive individual who met his ironic end on the snowy slopes.  Rather, it is the tale of 175 pound footballer extraordinaire whose prowess is remembered around this time each year.  

The legend began at Southern Methodist University, where Walker played every side of the ball ... running back, defensive back, place kicker, passer, receiver, punter and kick returner.  For these efforts, he was awarded the Heisman in 1948.  The man of many talents also played for the SMU basketball and baseball teams.

After college, Doak advanced to the NFL where he earned all-pro honors four times and lead the Detroit Lions to two championship titles on his way to Canton. 

The legacy of Walker's athletic achievement [in football - not skiing] is embodied by the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the best running back in college football.

That's right people, if you had not guessed it already; this story ends [as the best ones do] by coming full circle to IOWA football. 

Shonn Greene, the heart of the Hawkeye offense, is one of three finalists for the 2008 Doak Walker Award ... the only major college football honor that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing.  Way to go Mr. Greene! 

VOTE FOR SHONN and all the 2008 college football awards here.