Here are the Iowa connections for Chiefs, Eagles in Super Bowl LVII
It’s pretty much universal law that any big event must have at least one Iowa connection, and Super Bowl LVII is no different.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have players from both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University on their rosters, and there are additional connections sprinkled throughout the coaching staffs. The state will be well represented come kickoff on Feb. 12.
Here’s a breakdown.
Jack Cochrane, Kansas City Chiefs LB
The Mount Vernon native and South Dakota alum signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in May, and has spent this season as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor.
Cochrane has appeared in 15 games this season with five total tackles.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Kansas City Chiefs WR
The former Hawkeyes pass catcher has been on a winding road in his second NFL season
Smith-Marsette, who was drafted in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, was waived by Minnesota on Aug. 31 and claimed by the Chicago Bears the following day. But after mustering just one catch for 15 yards, a rush for minus-1 yard and a fumble over three games, Chicago cut Smith-Marsette on Oct. 18.
Three days later, Smith-Marsette was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. He's been elevated to the active roster twice this season, most recently against the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 7. Smith-Marsette played 10 snaps that day as the team's fifth receiver.
Smith-Marsette, who had 110 career receptions over four seasons at Iowa (2017-20) and was named Big Ten return specialist of the year in 2018, likely won’t appear in the Super Bowl. But he could still get a ring if Kansas City emerges victorious.
From 2021:Minnesota Vikings select Iowa's Ihmir Smith-Marsette in the fifth round
Matt Leo, Philadelphia Eagles DE
After going undrafted in 2020, the former Cyclone was allocated to the Eagles as part of the International Player Pathway Program. Leo, who was born in Adelaide, South Australia, has spent the last three seasons on the Eagles practice squad despite being waived and re-signed multiple times.
Leo came to Iowa State from Arizona Western Community College in 2017. He medically redshirted his first season in Ames before becoming a key piece on the 2018 and 2019 defenses. Leo finished his college career with 33 total tackles and three sacks.
He likely won’t appear in the Super Bowl but could get a ring if the Eagles win.
More:From plumber to promising playmaker: The story of Iowa State's Matt Leo
Brendan Daly, Kansas City Chiefs LB coach and run game coordinator
Before spending more than a decade coaching in the NFL, the 1997 Drake University alum began his career with the Bulldogs in 1998. Daly coached tight ends for one season after playing tight end himself at Drake.
Ryan Reynolds, Kansas City Chiefs sports science director and strength & conditioning assistant
Now in his seventh season with the Chiefs, Reynolds graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005. While at Iowa, Reynolds was an intern focusing on football strength and conditioning, men’s basketball and Olympic sports.
D.K. McDonald, Philadelphia Eagles assistant DB coach
Prior to joining the Eagles during the 2021 offseason, McDonald spent five seasons on Iowa State’s coaching staff. McDonald was the Cyclones safeties coach from 2019-20 and Iowa State’s cornerbacks coach from 2016-18.
Tyler Scudder, Philadelphia Eagles defensive assistant
Before joining the Eagles during the 2021 offseason, Scudder spent three seasons (2018-20) as a senior defensive quality control coach at Iowa State.
Who are we missing?
If you know of other Iowa connections in Super Bowl LVII, email msouthard@gannett.com and we'll get them added to this story.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles have Iowa ties for Super Bowl
