Photo by the Indianapolis Colts: Livermore native and former Twin River Valley prep Dallas Clark waves to the crowd on Sunday during his Ring of Honor ceremony in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Dallas Clark’s only goal from the start was to play special teams by the time his career ended at the University of Iowa.

The Livermore native went from a walk-on linebacker to All-American tight end with the Hawkeyes. The former Twin River Valley quarterback then turned himself into a Pro Bowler in the NFL.

Recently, the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl winner was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Honor.

“That is where the emotions come from,” Clark said. “I just wanted to play special teams before my career was over at Iowa, and honestly, just get on the field somehow before my eligibility was over.

“I focused every day on being the best teammate and hardest worker. Nobody was going to out work me. I wanted to make everyone else around me better, whether it was helping spread a good attitude or patting them on the butt.”

Surrounded by former teammates and Colt icons like Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Jeff Saturday, Dwight Freeney, Marvin Harrison and many others, the former Hawkeye star humbly and emotionally accepted the honor inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Seeing the group of men that showed up for me, given all of their busy lives with family schedules, youth football and everything else, is overwhelming,” Clark said. “Those guys showed up and made this trip special. They’re all beautiful people.”

Reflecting back on the weekend and ceremony, Clark admitted it was a all a little surreal.

“It was truly an honor,” Clark said. “It gives you a chance to reflect and thank coaches, family, friends and teammates that helped throughout the journey.”

Before accepting the award, Clark got to jump back into the pro football life for at least a few minutes.

“We went on to the field during warm-ups with my family and former teammates,” Clark said. “We were just giving hugs and telling stories, talking about the good old days.

“It was just a really special time, getting to reconnect. I want to thank them for helping me be the best TE I can be.”

Clark reminisced with former Colts teammates about their 2007 championship season.

“I was talking to Marv (Harrison). He said he’s been to a lot of these (ceremonies), but this was the most players that he’s seen at one,” Clark said. “Marv doesn’t let anyone in his circle, but he let this old Iowa kid in and I’ll forever be grateful.

“When we were playing and had a break, Marv and I would sit under the goalposts and talk about life. He was just four lockers down from me…we had our moments. He’s a good friend.”

Clark, who admits he’s an emotional person, broke down into tears the moment he found he was going to be inducted into the Ring of Honor.

“It was awesome. Pete Ward (COO of Indianapolis Colts) and Mr. (Jim) Irsay (Colts’ owner) called me. I thought they were just checking in on me like normal,” Clark said. “He told me, and oh Lord, it just hit me…I started crying, because I’m a crier. It was a natural reaction, thinking of everything all at once from my career.”

Clark then took some time to reflect.

“I had to overcome hurdles, clear mountains and go through valleys to get where I got,” Clark said. “It just blows my mind when I think about all the good people God put in my life.

“Throughout my journey, I leaned on so many people to get through it. It was a special thing…only the guys that go through it know what it takes and how to survive. There is no blueprint on how to survive and keep your head above water in pro football.”

From 2003-11 Clark helped redefine the tight end position in the NFL as a hybrid receiver. He set the table for future superstars.

“I was adopted by the wide receivers and the offensive line,” Clark said. “I was down there blocking in practice with the tackles.

“Once you get into the league, you have to bring your A-game every Sunday. The Ring of Honor symbolizes survival and beating the odds by believing in yourself.”

Clark has received several honors over the last couple of years. In 2023, he was nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame. The year before, he was inducted into the Iowa Hawkeye program Hall of Fame.

“Coach (Kirk) Ferentz always told me, ‘There is no greater honor than being honored by your school.’ That was special and very humbling as well.”

Clark is currently on Derrick Elman’s coaching staff in Humboldt, helping the receivers. He farms in Humboldt County.

“I’m just helping in any way I can with receivers and in the weight room,” Clark said about being with the current top-ranked (RPI, Class 3A) Wildcats. “There is nothing better than a group of phenomenal kids who buy in like this (Humboldt squad). We are watching them achieve more together than they can by themselves.

“I’m also farming up here and chasing three kids around, trying to stay ahead of them.”

Clark has also operated the Dallas Clark Foundation for the past 17 years. The group gives out fourteen different $3,000 scholarships a year to students in Kossuth and Humboldt County, which includes five school districts total.

“It’s so rewarding to give back to the community,” Clark said.