If you think you see something new on Iowa's helmets tomorrow, don't fret -- your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. There really are some new additions to Iowa's helmets this year.
First, all players will be wearing a "DB5" decal on their helmets to remember the passing of Damon Bullock.
This past spring, we lost a member of our football family. Damon Bullock lost his life far too early. Tomorrow night, he will be with us on the field as we honor him with a DB5 decal on the back of our helmets.
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 30, 2019
You are forever in our hearts, DBull. pic.twitter.com/kS8fMNQKu9
Bullock tragically died last spring when he was struck by a car in the early morning hours. It's not clear if this decal will be on helmets all season, or if it's only for the game against Miami (OH), but it's a nice touch and good way to recognize Bullock. Hopefully they take a moment during the game to remember his passing as well; Bullock was taken from his family, friends, and the Hawkeye community far too soon.
Second, players who have already earned an undergraduate degree from Iowa will wear a cap and tassel decal to recognize their accomplishment.
For our 10 graduates who will take the field this season, we have added a Cap & Tassel decal on their helmets to celebrate their successes in the classroom | #win #GRADUATE #doitright pic.twitter.com/IPHjmBfpzR
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 27, 2019
Ten players on the current roster have already obtained undergraduate degrees from Iowa: Drew Cook, John Milani, Landan Paulsen, Levi Paulsen, Colton Rastetter, Brady Reiff, Brady Ross, Ryan Schmidt, Jackson Subbert, and Nate Wieting. Kudos to all of those players.