Danan Hughes - Iowa Hawkeye, Milwaukee Brewer, Kansas City Chief

In football, it’s you vs. the man, in baseball it's you vs. the ball

This week’s Moonlighter was a two-sport star in college for the Iowa Hawkeyes and then became more of a role player once he went professional… in two sports. Danan Hughes is still near the top of all the WR record books in Iowa City and he is one of only a few Hawkeye baseball players drafted in the early rounds. The New Jersey product made a name for himself both spring and fall for the Hawks and now serves as a football analyst for the Big Ten Network.

After the game they had a golf cart waiting for me & I played in the 2nd game of the double header

Danan Hughes chose Iowa and coach Hayden Fry because of the promise to let him play both baseball and football, including a deal that he didn’t have to participate in football workouts if he was playing for the baseball team. Hughes only played spring football for one season in college, but even doubling up sports didn’t slow him down. After 4 catches for over 100 yards in the Hawkeye spring game, Hughes rushed over to the baseball field to play in the second game of a double-header against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Hughes and the Hawkeyes went to the 1991 Rose Bowl and were Big Ten co-champions. Hughes is one of the all-time Hawkeye leaders for touchdown receptions (tied for 2nd), receptions (3rd), and receiving yards for a freshman (2nd).

Hard work pays off. Always. Always.

After a stellar career on the diamond for the Hawkeyes, Hughes was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1992 amateur draft by the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Hughes played 2 seasons for the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League. Hughes was then drafted in the 7th round 1993 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and fully committed himself to football. Hughes was part of the mid-1990s Chiefs that featured some incredible talents, including Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Will Shields, and Derrick Thomas. The Chiefs went to the AFC Championship game during his rookie season and made the playoffs in nearly every season in Kansas City. Hughes retired after 6 years in the NFL with over 400 yards receiving, almost 800 return yards, and a perfect 100% completion percentage going 2-2 as a passer.