Coach Ferentz sneaks away to watch James Ferentz in Denver

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football program has eight players competing in this month's NFL playoffs, and one of them is Coach Kirk Ferentz's son, James Ferentz.

James Ferentz, 26, is a backup center with the Denver Broncos. He played in 14 games this year on special teams and offensive line. He spent last season on the Houston Texans' practice squad after being out of football in 2013. He was a three-year starter at Iowa from 2010-2012.

'It's hard for me to talk because I'm his dad,' Coach Ferentz said. 'He's a good story. He's a really good story. And if I wasn't his dad, he would be one of our great stories. Guy is working for Randy's Carpet. Basically he was moving carpet around. I don't think they actually let him put it down. He's not that refined. You know, that's what he was doing, and training here. It's a good story of sticking with your dream and chasing it.

'I encourage all of our guys in your 20s, that's what your 20s are for in my mind, chase your dreams a little bit and see where they take you. You've got your whole life to work a real job. It's great. I'm really happy for him.'

Coach Ferentz was able to sneak away after last week's Rose Bowl and attend James Ferentz's regular-season finale against San Diego. Despite five turnovers, the Broncos won the game and clinched the AFC's top seed. They have a bye this week.

'It was neat, really neat to do it,' Coach Ferentz said. 'I'm glad I'm not the jinx; they turned it over five times and won the game. I don't know what the odds of that are, but they are not very good, but they won it.'

This weekend, six of the eight former Iowa players will compete in the NFL's wild card playoffs. In an NFC game, Green Bay plays at Washington. The Green Bay Packers have right tackle Bryan Bulaga (12 starts), starting defensive tackle Mike Daniels (16 starts, 67 tackles, four sacks, one interception) and defensive back Micah Hyde (seven starts, 51 tackles, three interceptions, 27 punt returns for 157 yards). Washington right guard Brandon Scherff won the Outland Trophy at Iowa in 2014. Scherff started all 16 games as a rookie and helped the Redskins give up 31 fewer sacks from 2014 to 2015.

Another NFC wild-card game features former Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway, who plays for the Minnesota Vikings, against Seattle. Greenway is in his 10th season for Minnesota and has started 12 games. He has 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks and scored on a 91-yard interception return against San Diego.

In an AFC wild-card game, Houston tight end C.J Fiedorowicz faces the Kansas City Chiefs. Fiedorowicz started 14 games, caught 17 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown this year.

Joining James Ferentz on a bye is New England Patriots tight end Scott Chandler, who is in his ninth NFL season. Chandler caught 23 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns this season. Chandler started four games.

Coach Ferentz said he doesn't have a rooting interest in this weekend's games.

'I'm not as much a fan of teams as I am people,' he said. 'People like our guys are involved, it's fun to watch and fun to have a chance to catch up.'

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