Iowa History Daily: April 28 - Ravens Pick Yanda

Iowa History Daily: On April 28, 2007, the Baltimore Ravens selected Marshal Yanda in the third round of the NFL draft. A standout lineman at Anamosa High School, North Iowa Area Community College, and the University of Iowa, Yanda went on to a Pro Bowl NFL career.

Known for his work ethic, the Cedar Rapids Gazette featured the 13-year-old Yanda for raising Cornish roosters to save up money for a pickup truck. A standout athlete in Anamosa, Yanda excelled in football, basketball, and track. After high school Yanda enrolled at NIACC in Mason City and played right guard for the Trojans. 

By the time the 6’6”, 310-pound Yanda signed with Hawkeyes in 2004 he’d already collected 1st-Team All-Region and honorable mention NJCAA All-American honors while playing at NIACC. Continuing to bring his outstanding work ethic to the trenches in Iowa City, Yanda earned second-team All-Big 10 honors while gaining the attention of professional scouts.

Drafted with the 86th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, Yanda set about making an impression immediately. After appearing in all sixteen games his rookie season, the Anamosa product continued to develop into one of the league’s best linemen. With six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2011 to 2016 (the longest active streak amongst guards at the time) Yanda gained a reputation as one of the league’s best linemen while also winning a Super Bowl (XLVII). Yanda spent his entire thirteen year career with the Ravens. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar