Former Hawkeye Star A.J. Epenesa Brings Iowa Grit to the Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are loading up on defense, and they are doing it with a familiar name for Iowa football fans. A.J. Epenesa, the former Hawkeye pass rusher who terrorized Big Ten offenses for three seasons, is heading to Philly to join one of the NFL's most feared defensive units.
While the national media focuses on other roster moves, the addition of Epenesa gives the Eagles another proven edge rusher. For Iowans, it is another chapter in the story of a homegrown talent who built his legacy in Iowa City before making the leap to the pros.
Here are five things to know about the newest Eagle with deep Iowa roots.
A Dominant Force in the Black and Gold
College football fans in Iowa do not need an introduction to Epenesa. During his three seasons with the Hawkeyes, he developed into one of the nation's premier defensive linemen, racking up honors that cemented his status as a program great.
His collegiate resume includes Second-Team All-American recognition in 2019, two First-Team All-Big Ten selections in 2018 and 2019, and a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2017. By the time he left Iowa City, opposing offenses knew exactly what they were up against each week.
Epenesa finished his Iowa career with 26.5 sacks, tying him for fourth place on the program's all-time sacks list. That is the kind of production that gets attention on Sundays.
An Athlete Beyond the Gridiron
Before he was chasing down quarterbacks, Epenesa was a multi-sport standout at Edwardsville High School in Illinois. He excelled in track and field, winning state championships in the discus throw during both his junior and senior seasons.
His athletic versatility helped him earn All-American honors in both football and track. Following his senior season, he participated in both the Army All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl, solidifying his standing as one of the country's top recruits.
That combination of size, strength and agility is exactly what made him such a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators in the Big Ten.
Hawkeye Bloodlines Run Deep
Epenesa's connection to Iowa started long before he ever put on the black and gold. His father, Eppy, walked on to the Hawkeyes football program after moving from American Samoa. That family legacy helped shape A.J.'s admiration for the program from an early age.
When he committed to Iowa on January 17, 2016, he became the highest-rated recruit ever to sign with a Kirk Ferentz-coached Hawkeyes team. It was a commitment that paid off for both the player and the program, as Epenesa became one of the most dominant defenders in school history.
His First College Sack Came Against an NFL Star
One of the more memorable footnotes from Epenesa's college career came during an Iowa matchup with the Wyoming Cowboys. His first collegiate sack came against quarterback Josh Allen, who would eventually become the No. 7 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Years later, football brought them together again as Buffalo Bills teammates. Now Epenesa is carving out his own path in Philadelphia, bringing that same relentless motor that Iowa fans came to appreciate every Saturday in the fall.
Coached by the Father of a WNBA Standout
Epenesa attended Edwardsville High School alongside WNBA standout Kate Martin. Her father, Matt Martin, served as Epenesa's football and track coach during his prep career. His high school football journey also included sharing the field with future NFL defensive back Craig James, adding yet another professional football connection to his story.
From a small Illinois high school to Iowa City and now to Philadelphia, Epenesa's journey is a testament to hard work, family values and the kind of grit that Hawkeye fans respect. Whether he becomes a major contributor or a valuable rotational piece, the Eagles believe he can add another layer to an already dangerous pass rush.
For Iowa fans, watching Epenesa succeed on the NFL stage is just the latest reminder that the Hawkeye development pipeline remains as strong as ever.