Former Hawkeye Desmond King makes NFL All-Pro team
The Los Angeles Charger defensive back earned first-team NFL All-Pro honors on Friday.
Los Angeles Chargers’ Desmond King III sprints past Pittsburgh Steelers punter Jordan Berry on his way to a fourth quarter punt return for a touchdown on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa.
January 4, 2019
Former Hawkeye football player Desmond King was named first-team NFL All-Pro on Friday, the league announced.
King, a fifth-round pick in 2017, notched 3 interceptions this season for the Chargers, returning one for a touchdown against Seattle.
King also recorded 62 total tackles (47 solo), forced a fumble, recovered a pair of fumbles, and had 4 tackles for a loss. Throw in a punt return touchdown for good measure, too.
While at Iowa, King had a historic junior season, tallying 8 interceptions and defending 13 passes. In each of his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons with the Black and Gold, King returned an interception for a touchdown.
Along with King, Chicago’s Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson, New England’s Stephon Gilmore, and Los Angeles’ Derwin James made the list in the defensive backfield.
Kittle, Yanda make second-team NFL All-Pro
While King made first-team NFL All-Pro, tight end George Kittle made second-team after totaling the most receiving yards in NFL history by a tight end (1,377). He finished with 88 receptions and 5 touchdowns.
Meahwhile, Baltimore Raven left guard Marshal Yanda made second-team as well. The Ravens averaged 152.6 rushing yards per game this season, ranking second in the league.