LINCOLN, Neb. — For Iowa defensive tackle Aaron Graves, Thanksgiving weekend unfolded like a script from a feel-good sports movie, blending family joy with gridiron triumph. On Thursday, as millions across the country gathered for turkey and football, Graves welcomed his first child into the world. Just hours later, he boarded a private plane to rejoin his Hawkeyes teammates, arriving in time to contribute to a decisive 40-16 victory over Nebraska on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound senior from Dayton, Iowa, was visibly moved in the postgame glow. Minutes after the final whistle, Graves choked up when reflecting on his newborn son, Grayson, who arrived at 3:07 p.m. Thursday weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces. His wife, Aubrey, and the baby were reported to be doing well, according to Graves.
"The last 24 hours are probably the craziest of my life, for sure," Graves said, his voice steadying after a pause. "She went into labor Wednesday, gave birth yesterday and I was able to spend time with her. The emotions of all that is ridiculous. Last game as a senior, getting a win here at Nebraska, my wife giving birth to our boy, first-born of our family."
Graves' journey from hospital room to the road game highlighted the personal sacrifices athletes make during the high-stakes college football season. Aubrey went into labor on Wednesday, and by Thursday afternoon, Grayson had arrived. Graves stayed by her side initially, but with Iowa facing a key rivalry matchup against Nebraska, he made the quick decision to travel. Five hours after the birth, he was airborne on a Hawkeye booster's private plane from Iowa City to Lincoln, landing and checking into the team hotel roughly 12 hours before kickoff.
The Iowa-Nebraska series, dating back to 1891, has long been a fixture of Big Ten football, often marked by intense competition and memorable moments. This year's Black Friday clash carried added weight as Iowa aimed to build momentum late in the regular season. The Hawkeyes, under veteran coach Kirk Ferentz, entered the game with a solid defensive unit, and Graves, a key contributor on the defensive line, was eager to make his presence felt despite the whirlwind circumstances.
True to form, Graves wasted no time impacting the game. Nebraska received the opening kickoff, and on the Cornhuskers' first play from scrimmage, Graves was part of the tackle that brought down the runner. On the second play, he disrupted a pass, setting the tone for Iowa's dominant defensive performance. His only other recorded tackle came in the second quarter, but his early involvement underscored his resolve.
"I told Aubrey when I left that I’m not leaving you here in the hospital to lose," Graves recounted. "I told the D-line, too, before the first drive started, I was like, ‘Guys, I did not leave my baby in the hospital to lose this game, so we better come out firing on all cylinders.’ "
The victory improved Iowa's record and kept their postseason hopes alive in a season that has seen the Hawkeyes navigate injuries and inconsistencies. Ferentz, in his 25th year at the helm, praised Graves' dedication, calling the birth of Grayson the biggest news of the weekend. The coach presented Graves with a game ball intended for his son, a gesture that resonated with the team.
Graves spoke warmly of the support from his teammates and coaches throughout Aubrey's pregnancy. "They always ask me just every day how Aubrey’s doing, how it’s been progressing and everything," he said. "They’ve been with me every step of the way." This camaraderie is a hallmark of Ferentz's programs, where family matters often intersect with team dynamics.
Reflecting on the game, Graves admitted that thoughts of his new family occasionally flashed through his mind amid the chaos of play. "What did he think when Grayson crossed his mind during the game?" a reporter asked. "Just how much I love him," Graves replied simply.
The emotional high point came not just from the win but from the convergence of life's milestones. For Graves, a Dayton native who walked on to the Iowa team before earning a scholarship, Friday's game marked his final appearance as a senior in the storied rivalry. Iowa's defense, bolstered by players like Graves, held Nebraska to just 16 points, while the Hawkeyes' offense exploded for 40, showcasing balance and execution.
Nebraska, meanwhile, continued to grapple with a rebuilding phase under their coaching staff. The loss dropped the Cornhuskers further from bowl eligibility contention, highlighting ongoing challenges in Lincoln. Iowa players and coaches, however, focused on the positive, with Graves' story adding a human element to the scoreboard.
As the Hawkeyes returned to Iowa City, Graves planned to reunite with Aubrey and Grayson, savoring the quiet moments after the frenzy. The birth and the win served as bookends to a Thanksgiving unlike any other, reminding those in the sport that football, for all its intensity, is ultimately about the people behind the helmets.
Looking ahead, Iowa faces a crucial stretch to close out the regular season, with eyes on a potential Big Ten Championship berth or a strong bowl game showing. For Graves, the priority shifts to fatherhood, though his contributions on the field will be remembered as part of a resilient senior campaign. Ferentz's team, buoyed by such stories, enters the final weeks with renewed purpose.
In a sport often criticized for its demands on young athletes, Graves' experience offered a glimpse of balance—celebrating new life while honoring commitments to team and tradition. As the college football landscape evolves with conference realignments and playoff expansions, personal narratives like this one ground the game in its most relatable aspects.