IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa football program has announced the launch of the Hawkeye Legacy mobile app, an exclusive social network where former players and current football student-athletes are empowered to establish meaningful connections beyond football. The mobile app was developed in partnership with NextPlay, a software platform for college and professional sports teams to build branded engagement networks.

“As a proud Legacy Hawk, I am thrilled that Iowa football has made this investment in its current and former players,” said Broderick Binns, executive director of Diversity, Equity& Inclusion for Iowa athletics. “Empowering former athletes to engage with each other and connect with Iowa football will pay off for UI athletics in the long run.”

The Hawkeye Legacy app provides a space for alumni to engage with Iowa football in a new, personal way. Legacy Hawks can view private content directly from coaches and staff, form groups with former teammates around the country, and build a powerful social network of professionals in various fields.

“Our desire is to foster an environment where our student-athletes have a great football experience, but we also want them to earn their degree and grow into their professional life,” said Ben Hansen, assistant director, football operations. “The Hawkeye Legacy app provides an exceptional platform for networking and mentorship.”

Since 2015, Iowa football has conducted several networking events, immersing current Hawkeyes with Legacy Hawks to provide professional insight, interview experience and tips on leveraging relationships post football. The Hawkeye Legacy app broadens the conversation from a one night event to a constant contact.

“Through the networking events that Hawkeye football orchestrated, I made some great connections with former players, who are extremely successful in their careers,” said Austin Schulte, a Hawkeye defensive lineman from 2016-20. “Through a conversation I had with a former player, he asked a series of questions that helped me start my job search. Within months, I was blessed to have a few interviews with some great companies and landed a job with Baker Group.

“The Hawkeye Legacy app is a great tool that I hope each and every player uses to connect with former Hawkeyes. It’s never too early to start making connections and preparing for life after football.”

Career exploration and job placement is a monumental focus of the Iowa football program. NextPlay’s Hawkeye Legacy app provides customized career development content and an employment marketplace.

“More than 300 Legacy Hawks signed up for the platform in the first month, demonstrating a clear desire for deeper engagement with the Iowa football program,” said Kyle Mumma, CEO of NextPlay. “(Iowa head) coach (Kirk) Ferentz has built a strong program over multiple decades and we are excited to keep the Hawkeye community connected for years to come.”

ABOUT NEXTPLAY: NextPlay is dedicated to empowering athletes by giving them the tools and connections they need to succeed in life after sports. Based in Denver, Colorado, and founded in 2018, NextPlay provides career development software and workshops specifically tailored to the needs of each partner organization. Visit www.nextplay.me or contact info@nextplay.me for more information.