Hail to the Chiefs: Kansas City Drafts Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi in Round 5

Iowa’s own Captain America, Ricky Stanzi, has been drafted.  Today, he was called to play for the Kansas City Chiefs as selection 135 in round five.  It was no doubt a tense couple of days waiting to be called, since many around the web predicted he would be snatched up by the end of the third round. 

All in all, Stanzi  landed in a good spot.  He can start as a backup behind Matt Cassel (who, incidentally, was a seventh-round pick) with minimal pressure while learning the Kansas City system.  One thing that may comfort Ricky is being on a team with former teammate and close friend, Tony Moeaki, his tight end from 2009.

More than likely, the Chiefs got a real bargain with this pick.  Stanzi was considered the eighth best quarterback on the board.  And since Chief’s general manager Scott Pioli is a former manager that Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz knows and trusts, Ricky will no doubt play his heart out for him.

Another Stanzi-Chiefs connection…Tom Brady’s private throwing coach, Tom Martinez, who also coached Stanzi before the draft, also has connections with the Chiefs–he worked with Matt Cassel.  Stanzi’s relentless work ethic and desire to absorb as much as he can about football could lead to him becoming the first quarterback groomed by the Chiefs into a franchise leader.

Now the challenge begins, as Stanzi tries to prepare for the fall with an ongoing lockout.  Stanzi claims he will continue to work out in Iowa City until he can use the Chiefs facilities.  There's only one issue – he won’t have a playbook...that is, unless someone sneaks him an extra copy.

Congratulations to Ricky Stanzi on making it to the next level.  It’s good to see his hard work and sacrifice pay off.  The same goes for Adrian Clayborn and the other Hawkeyes drafted this weekend.  All the best as they embark on new adventures.  Thanks former Iowa Hawkeyes, especially for the memories of 2009–a year Hawk Nation will never forget!