Hawkeyes keeping it local: See which Iowa athletes own businesses in the Iowa City area

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified Nate Kaeding’s high school. He graduated from Iowa City West.

There is no denying Iowa City is a special place across generations, with a certain allure and distinct charm that resonates with University of Iowa alumni, pulling them back. Many have established roots and opened businesses in a community that once fueled their collegiate dreams.

The vibrant allure of Iowa City often attracts former athletes hoping to thrive in the welcoming embrace of a charming Midwestern town.

The Press-Ctizen has compiled a list of former Hawkeye football players who've planted roots in the business community, helping cushion the transition from football to basketball and wrestling.

Each former Hawkeye contributes to the unique tapestry of Iowa City's athletic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Nate Kaeding parlays on-field success into Gold Cap Hospitality

Likely the most noteworthy and recognizable former Hawkeye to plant roots in Iowa City. Former All-American placekicker Nate Kaeding is an Iowa City native who booted field goals inside Kinnick Stadium from 2000 to 2003. He captured the Lou Groza Award as the nation's top kicker during the 2002 season and is Iowa's all-time leading scorer. The former Iowa City West High Trojan kicked for the San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers) for eight years, from 2004-2012. Kaeding returned to the UI after he retired, snagging a master's in business administration to help kick-start his entrepreneurial career in the Iowa City corridor. Kaeding owns and operates several restaurants in Iowa City under the company he founded, Gold Cap Hospitality, including Pullman Bar & Diner, St. Burch Tavern, and the Hamburg Inn No. 2.

Kaeding and Gold Cap Hospitality recently purchased the iconic Hamburg Inn No. 2, which re-opened in October.

More: Hamburg Inn No. 2 reopens under new ownership with same look and feel

Jeff Koppel defends the basics of homeownership at AAA Mechanical

2755 Stoner Ct., North Liberty

Jeff Koeppel, an Urbandale native, was a multi-sport athlete in high school. He was a two-time high school wrestling state champion but came to the University of Iowa to play football. Koeppel suited up for the Hawkeyes from 1986 to 1989, twice earning second-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman honors. Today, he is a businessman in North Liberty, serving as the president of AAA Mechanical, a full-service mechanical contractor company he co-owns with his sister and brother. AAA Mechanical serves eastern Iowa by designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and piping systems for commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.

Darryl Moore relives his days on the hardwood at Court45

2910 Stoner Ct., North Liberty

Originally from Chicago, Darryl Moore was just a student working towards a degree at the University of Iowa before a chance encounter changed his life. His love for basketball pushed him to became a regular at the Iowa Fieldhouse where former assistant basketball coach Rick Moss discovered the talented underclassman. Moore quickly became a walk-on player for the University of Iowa men's basketball team in 1993. He was a fundamental player, starting 33 games for Iowa over his final two seasons, averaging over six points a game between 1996 and 1998. Moore spent one season playing professionally in Poland but eventually found his way back to Iowa. In 2016, Moore started Court45 in North Liberty, a coaching facility where he passes the lessons he learned on the hardwood to eager youth.

Mike Humpal deflects pain at Humpal Chiropractic

Mike Humpal, originally from New Hampton, Iowa, was a talented linebacker for the Hawkeyes from 2005 to 2007, earning second team, All-Big Ten honors as a senior. He finished his career with 192 total tackles which led him to being drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers. A neck injury ended his professional football career prematurely but inspired Humpal to continue his education and become a chiropractor. Humpal Chiropractic opened in 2017 and recently moved to a new location in North Liberty to help accommodate growing clientele while expanding the scope of patient care.

More: How former Iowa LB and Super Bowl champion Mike Humpal turned a career-ending injury into his lifelong career

Mark Ironside's mat-side prowess paves the way for Ironside Apparel and Promotions

Legendary Iowa wrestler Mark Ironside was an absolute monster on the mat, securing a pair of NCAA titles and four Big Ten titles, leading to four All-American selections. The University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Famer now does Hawkeye wrestling commentary meets for KXIC in Iowa City. He also owns Ironside Apparel & Promotions, located in Cedar Rapids. The locally-owned company specializes in high-quality embroidery and screen printing apparel for sports teams and companies.

Matt Kroul's determination and grit power Kroul Farms 

Matt Kroul was an undersized defensive lineman who captured the hearts of Hawkeye fans during his Iowa City stint more than 10 years ago. Kroul transitioned to the offensive line after signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

He returned to Iowa in 2011 to run the family farm, which was founded in 1946 by Howard and Elizabeth Kroul, who raised five kids on their land south of Mount Vernon. Matt Kroul and his wife have transformed that farm into a modern marketplace for seasonal produce. Kroul Farms specializes in locally grown produce, including pumpkins, fresh flowers, and firewood.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Find out which former Hawkeye greats chose to plant business roots in Iowa City