Randy Duncan, a 1997 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee from Iowa and All-American quarterback, passed away Sept. 27, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Born March 15, 1937, he was 79.
A winner throughout his life, Duncan’s legendary career began at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa. The football team had an undefeated season, and Duncan was an all-state quarterback in 1954. He also played basketball, was all-state, and his team was runner-up in the state tournament.
He enrolled at the University of Iowa, and in his first varsity season, 1956, he was an understudy to the starting quarterback, Kenny Ploen. Iowa won the Big Ten championship and beat Oregon State in the Rose Bowl that year. Duncan took over the Hawkeye’s starting quarterback position in 1957 and 1958, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors both years. The team had a record of 15-2-2 and in 1958; won the Big Ten championship; and beat California 38-12 in the Rose Bowl.
Duncan piled up the honors in 1958, including the Helms Foundation Player of the Year, Walter Camp Foundation Player of the Year, first in the nation in passing yardage, first in the nation in percentage of passes completed, co-leader in the nation in touchdown passes, and unanimous All-America honors at quarterback. He was also the runner-up to Pete Dawkins of Army in the Heisman Trophy voting. He is a member of the UI Varsity Club Hall of Fame and one of nine former Hawkeyes to be recognized on the Kinnick Stadium Ring of Honor.
Duncan served in the U.S. Army in 1959. The first player selected in the 1959 NFL Draft (Green Bay), he elected to begin his professional career in the Canadian Football League, and he played two years for the Brithish Columbia Lions before finishing his pro career with the Dallas Texans of the AFL in 1961.
During his time in Dallas, he studied law at Southern Methodist University at night. After retiring from professional football in 1961, he return to Iowa, finishing his law degree at Drake University. He set up a law practice in his home town of Des Moines, and he devoted time to jobs as chairman to the March of Dimes and the Cerebral Palsy Campaign; and president of the YMCA Boys Home.
"The word ‘legend’ is so often overused in sports, but in the case of Randy Duncan it fits perfectly,” said UI head football coach Kirk Ferentz in a statement. “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."
“We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Randy Duncan,” said Gary Barta, UI director of athletics in a statement. “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.”
Duncan is survived by his wife, Paula, and sons Scott and Jed. He was preceded in death by his son, Matt.
