The Big Ten Icons series on the Big Ten Network has started up, something that got lost last week as the league announced it’s football divisions and schedules for the 2011 & 2012 seasons.

Iowa’s Tom Brands checked in and #50, with Chuck Long coming in at #43

Here is what the Big Ten Network sent out this week on both Hawkeyes:

Brands, who wrestled for Iowa from 1989-92, was a four-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion in the 134-pound division. He was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the 1992 NCAA Championships. The native of Sheldon, Iowa, led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national titles and posted an individual career record of 158-7-2. In an essay for www.BigTenIcons.com, former Chicago Tribune sports editor Dan McGrath writes, “Iowa wrestlers are tough, committed, disciplined people. For more than 20 years, Tom Brands has personified those traits for the Iowa Hawkeyes.” o read the entire essay and watch a video feature on Brands, visit his Big Ten Icons locker at this link

Long was lightly recruited out of Wheaton, Ill., but went on to greatness as Iowa’s quarterback from 1981-85. He led the Hawkeyes to a memorable No. 1 vs. No. 2 victory against Michigan as a senior, and took Iowa to the Rose Bowl that year. Long was the 1985 Heisman Trophy runner-up to Bo Jackson, and was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. He was the first Big Ten player to pass for more than 10,000 yards in a career. In an essay for www.BigTenIcons.com, McGrath writes, “Long was at the forefront of big-armed quarterbacks who brought the passing game to the Big Ten and performed a total makeover on its stodgy, ground-oriented image.” To read the entire essay and watch a video feature on Long, visit his Big Ten Icons locker at this link

Icons 50 through 21 are being unveiled through Sept. 16 at www.BigTenIcons.com. The website also features essays, video and other key facts about each student-athletes’ career. Viewers can also participate in the “Talk of the Locker Room” contest with a chance to win the $10,000 grand prize. Weekly winners will take home a 55-inch Phillips HD television.

The television show, hosted by legendary college sports broadcaster Keith Jackson, debuts Sept. 18 following a Big Ten Network football telecast in which Icon No. 20 will be revealed. The countdown continues at 9 PM ET every Tuesday night through the end of football season and into the spring. The No. 1 Big Ten Icon will be revealed around the 2011 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament.

BIG TEN ICONS COUNTDOWN:

No. 50 Tom Brands, Iowa wrestling (1989-92)

No. 49 Megan Hodge, Penn State women’s volleyball (2006-09)

No. 48 Drew Brees, Purdue football (1997-2000)

No. 47 Chris Spielman, Ohio State football (1984-87)

No. 46 LaVar Arrington, Penn State football (1997-99)

No. 45 Rod Woodson, Purdue football (1983-86)

No. 44 George Halas, Illinois football (1916-18)

No. 43 Chuck Long, Iowa football (1981-85)

Tags: Big Ten, big ten network, Hawkeye Nation, hawkeyenation.com