By Jordan Hansen
Former Iowa All-American quarterback Randy Duncan passed away Tuesday evening in Des Moines at the age of 79.
Duncan, who lettered for the Hawkeyes from 1956-58, succumbed to cancer.
“The word ‘legend’ is so often overused in sports, but in the case of Randy Duncan, it fits perfectly,” Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said in a release. “He was one of the true Hawkeye legends who served as an outstanding representative of Iowa football and the University of Iowa. A great family man, Randy was humble and caring and lived life to the fullest. He was passionate and dedicated to his work and a great friend of Iowa football.
“Randy was a true hero to those who knew him due to his selflessness and dedication to his family and profession.”
Duncan, an Osage native, led the Hawkeyes to a 15-2-2 record during his junior and senior years. With Duncan under center, Iowa won the 1959 Rose Bowl game, a 38-12 win over California.
The accolades hardly stop there. Duncan led the Big Ten in passing during the 1958 season, earning consensus All-American honors and earned the Walter Camp Trophy his senior year.
A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, he is one of nine former Hawkeyes to be honored as part of the Kinnick Stadium Ring of Honor.
“We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Randy Duncan,” Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta said in a release. “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Paula and the entire family. Randy was a Hawkeye icon because of his athletic accomplishments. But more importantly, a great husband, family man, and community leader who fought a great battle over the last few years.
“I’m honored to have known him.”