Desmond King | WUW 683
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Desmond King, one of Iowa's most iconic defensive backs and a 2015 Thorpe Award winner, joins the Washed Up Walk-Ons podcast for a reflective and candid conversation about his journey from under-recruited high school athlete to NFL veteran and emerging coach. The episode traces his early days at Iowa in 2013—cold summer workouts, the old facility, and his surprise scholarship—before diving into his meteoric rise as a freshman starter after Lomax’s injury. King shares the emotional weight of his 2014 Minnesota loss, his breakout 2015 season, and the pride he felt in being called 'the bullies of the Big Ten' after a hard-fought win over Wisconsin. He discusses his unique athleticism, the rare feat of playing 13 seasons without a single surgery, and the mental and physical toll of the NFL, including his final season in Buffalo. Now retired, King reveals his new role as a high school coach in Michigan, driven by a desire to build culture and mentor young athletes. The conversation is laced with humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt reflections on fatherhood, legacy, and the quiet pride of being a walk-on who became a legend.
Desmond King played 13 seasons in the NFL without a single surgery—remarkable durability for a high-impact position.
His 2015 season was a defining moment: 8 interceptions, Thorpe Award, and a transformational role in Iowa’s identity as 'the bullies of the Big Ten.'
King’s career was fueled by instinct, film study, and relentless preparation—traits he now brings to coaching.
He transitioned from NFL cornerback to high school coach in Michigan, focusing on culture-building and player development.
King’s journey from under-recruited walk-on to first-round NFL pick (fifth round) highlights how character and confidence can overcome physical limitations.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Walk-Ons: Desmond King’s Legacy Begins
“I was cold. In 2014? Minnesota, I was cold. To be honest with you. We were all cold. Totally get it.”
The Walk-On’s Path: From Cold Workouts to First Start
King recounts his arrival at Iowa in 2013—cold summer workouts, the old facility, and the surprise scholarship. He shares how he was thrust into action early after Lomax’s injury, stepping in during the Northern Illinois game as a freshman.
The 2014 Nightmare: Minnesota and the Wake-Up Call
“That game still haunts me, bro. That's the one? Bro, we got that. Minnesota 2014 up in Minnesota. Ooh, yeah. That one and Penn State haunt me to this day.”
2015: The Year of the Bullies and the Thorpe Award
“I will be the top DB in the country the next year.”
The NFL Journey: From Rookie to All-Pro to Trade
King shares his NFL experience—rookie success, All-Pro honors, and the emotional impact of being traded mid-season with no practice time. He reflects on the business side of football and the mental shift that came with it.
“The best ability is availability.”
“That game still haunts me, bro. That's the one? Bro, we got that. Minnesota 2014 up in Minnesota. Ooh, yeah. That one and Penn State haunt me to this day.”
“I love what you're doing. I can see it, you know, that you're building a foundation.”
Hosts
Guest
Desmond King
person
Iowa Hawkeyes
organization
Grant
person
NFL
organization
Coach Parker
person
Coach Ferentz
person
Wisconsin Badgers
organization
Minnesota Golden Gophers
organization
Michigan State Spartans
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Saleen Hornets
organization
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