Nile Clarke Kinnick Jr.

Nile and Heisman

My Hero Nile Kinnick Nile Kinnick might be best known as the Heisman trophy winner from Iowa in 1939. But he had done more than just be a great football player. He gave his life for his country. People might not consider Nile a hero. Nile gave up fame and fortune to fight for this country he loved. Nile Clarke Kinnick Jr. was a hero in many ways to this country. The most important thing that Nile ever did was serve in the war and give up football. Why did Nile go to the army? Would you join the army to protect your country?

He served aboard the U.S.S. Lexington during World War 2. Nile was training to become a fighter pilot. After Nile’s death they had renamed the Iowa Hawkeye’s stadium after Nile now called Kinnick stadium. Before he served in the naval he played for the Hawkeyes. He won the Heisman in 1939. Then he wanted to get a law degree but was pulled out to serve in the army. Nile was on the reserve list. Nile had shown people that you should always fight for things you want. Never give up.

During the time Nile Kinnick lived, World War 2 broke out. Nile was born in Adel, Iowa July 9, 1918. He had won the heisman a year before the started. No one really knew how Nile Kinnick died but there are many different theories. One is that he had been flying his route when he discovered there was an oil leak. So he had ejected before the oil ignited. His body was never found in the oil slick. Nile died at the age of 24 on June 2nd, 1943 Gulf of Paria, Venezuela.

Mr. Kinnick showed people that you shouldn’t rely on others sometimes they don’t cut it. Nile showed me and many more people that you should go out and get what you want. Since he was the only heisman trophy winner from Iowa wants athletes to do the best they can.

Nile Kinnick showed me to be the best I can be, but not just me, everyone who cheers for Iowa. It was like a lesson to me the life story of Nile. He makes people from Iowa know that they can do it. He doesn’t just inspire me to become a better football player, he inspires me to become a better person. He also shows me that if want something go do it.

There are many athletes who have done the same as Nile; become a great football player and go to war. That’s what is so great about those athletes, they care. They give up their lives to protect the ones they love. At the time I think Nile was just a flat out great role model for kids who lived when he lived. Think about it. Would you give up fame and fortune to protect your country?