IOWA CITY, Iowa — Gennings Dunker stole the spotlight at the NFL Combine with his standout personality: massive tattooed shoulders, a flowing red mullet, and a unique slow-motion 40-yard dash set to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” His charisma didn’t just capture attention; it raised eyebrows. A month earlier, during an interview at the Senior Bowl, he mentioned his pre-practice ritual of chugging four giant cups of coffee. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, Dunker certainly makes an impression, but he stays grounded amid the buzz of his recent NFL selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 96 in the third round.
The excitement really hit him when he found himself at O’Hare Airport after the combine, stopped by several fans recognizing him. Those who know Dunker, like his former college teammates and coaches, can’t help but laugh when sharing stories about him. Known for his playful pranks, he once let ducks loose at a local high school, facing some serious consequences if he didn’t clean up after them. His college roommate was meticulous about his belongings, so Dunker sometimes enlisted friends to throw a bit of chaos into their apartment.
“Dunk is all about good vibes,” said Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski. “He’s always brightening the room.”
Dunker’s personality stands out, reminiscent of Iowa tight end George Kittle, a Pro Bowler with the San Francisco 49ers. However, it’s not just his charm that got him drafted; his talent as a first-team All-Big Ten offensive tackle did the trick. Dunker was a key player on an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award, showcasing his skills as a powerful drive blocker. He started 38 games and can effectively play both tackle and guard.
“Dunk is pure strength,” said Iowa’s football strength coach, Rai Braithwaite. While Dunker excels in raw power—he squats 680 pounds, just shy of the program record—he acknowledges he needs to work on agility. Some teams see him as a tackle, while others view him as a guard.
He’s always in competitive spirits. Training for the combine in Florida, Dunker had a friendly rivalry with teammate Logan Jones. Dunker edged Jones in the vertical jump, celebrating a victory by just half an inch. “I had to out-jump him,” Dunker laughed.
His energy is noteworthy and might have something to do with his love for coffee. Dunker’s daily routine includes loading up on caffeine—a macchiato with five espresso shots is not uncommon. “His diet is wild,” said Iowa tight end Hayden Large. But don’t be fooled; Dunker balances his quirky habits with a serious side. He was an academic All-American, studying physiology with ambitions in medicine.
While juggling football and academics, Dunker worked two jobs in high school—one at a local restaurant and the other clearing timber. Both jobs strengthened his work ethic. Even now, he spends six days a week around football, often helping early enrollees at Iowa.
Material possessions don’t matter much to him. If he had another year of eligibility, he joked about still being at Iowa. He drives a modest truck and enjoys thrift store shopping. Instead of splurging on himself, Dunker helps his brother with college tuition.
His coffee habit isn’t just personal; it’s a bonding experience with his dad. “He drinks an insane amount every day,” Dunker said, recalling their shared coffee routine. With a large Stanley cup in hand at every practice and game, he brings that lively spirit to the field.
As Dunker steps into the NFL, his infectious enthusiasm and genuine nature promise to make him a team favorite. “He always puts a smile on everyone’s face,” Gronowski noted. With his playful personality and determination, Gennings Dunker is ready to take on the next chapter of his football journey, mullet and all.
Source link
Pittsburgh Steelers, Iowa Hawkeyes
