Iowa football keeps tradition of waving toward local children's hospital despite playing in Nashville

Traditions are something that makes college football special, and one of the most wholesome and heartfelt ones was able to be continued by the Iowa football team on Monday during the Music City Bowl vs. Missouri.

At the end of the first quarter in every Iowa home football game, the Hawkeyes team and the fans on hand will turn to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and wave, which is gestured toward the pediatric patients receiving treatment.

Despite being separated by over 500 miles, the Hakwyes football made the touching gesutre of turning toward the direction of the hospital and waved toward the children they know are cheering them on from Iowa City.

At the end of the first quarter of every Iowa home football game, players and fans will turn to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and wave to pediatric patients.

Despite being in Nashville for their bowl game, they kept the tradition going today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OF3S2Hm9FT

— ESPN (@espn) December 30, 2024

After the kind-hearted gesture, the Hawkeyes would go to take a 21-14 lead over the Tigers in the halftime break. Iowa’s two touchdowns in the first quarter was the only thing separating the two teams at the break, and they added to that total out of the gates in the second half with a field goal.

However, Missouri would mount their comeback in the second half and even take their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter behind a pair of field goals from Tigers kicker Blake Craig. He nailed a 56-yarder which turned out to be the difference in the game.

Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan completed 14 of 18 passes to go with a touchdown and an interception. The Hawkeyes were held to 166 yards on the ground, seeing Kamari Moulton lead the way with 14 carries, 96 yards and the only rushing touchdown of the say for Iowa.

Jazuin Patterson helped as well, averaging 8.2 yards per carry during the contest with 74 yards to show for it.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes held strong against the Missouri rushing game, holding the Tigers to 2.7 yards per carry and 89 yards overall. Missouri was able to earn its success through the air, seeing veteran quarterback Brady Cook throw for 287 yards and a pair of touchdown in the final game of his collegiate career.

Ultimately falling 27-24, the Hawkeyes finished the 2024 season 8-5 overall. They won four of the last five games of the regular season to help qualify for the Music City Bowl, and head into the offseason with optimisim about what’s to come in 2025.