My first meeting with, Dalles Jacobus, came at the inaugural event to benefit Keeley & Kambry’s Tribe. Dalles was due to perform to conclude the auction and end the benefit for the night. Our interaction was due in part to a last-minute table swap. Jade Ewoldt, mother, and founder of Keeley & Kambry’s tribe, had available space at her head table and graciously asked my wife and I to sit with her.
The night had started and the auction was underway when Dalles Jacobus arrived at the party. Being that Jade was busy with the auction, her seat was open in front and Dalles sat down right next to us.
Prior to the event, I was unaware of Dalles Jacobus. After my brother-in-law’s career with the Iowa Hawkeyes came to an end, I’ve lost the passion to follow football. I was fully aware of Dalles’ song “We Wave” and the impact it had on the people of Iowa and University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Being blessed with speaking with Ryan Manahl about Tate’s Army gave me my first special insight into the healing power which this special tradition holds. At the end of the first quarter, roughly 69,000 people turn and face the U of I Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and collectively, wave to the patients and their families who are watching the game from the top floor of the hospital while receiving medical treatment.
Dalles wrote a song about his experience as an Iowa football player, the process of the wave, the unique perspective of a family with children in the hospital, and the power of a community. Dalles composed this song while on a fishing trip and uploaded it to social media, skyrocketing the song to an instant viral sensation. “We Wave” exploded, in large part to Dalles ability to perfectly encapsulate the true feeling of what it’s like to be a part of such a special tradition. The song has since earned Dalles a record deal with SSK Records to pursue a career in music and produce an extended play record with hit single “We Wave”.
You can now vote, here: https://hawkeyesports.com/wave/, to make “We Wave” the future song of this tremendous tradition.
Dalles Jacobus is the type of guy, who you would want to be the ambassador of your state. He greeted my wife and me with a polite introduction and smile, his warm demeanor and humbleness echoed as he spoke quietly to us, purposefully, not drawing attention away from this special cause.
He had volunteered his time this night to perform his flagstaff ballad “We Wave” for a family who had, first handedly, experienced the wave. Coming from a pep rally at his alma mater, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, he had arrived late due to the long drive and the auction was already underway. His introduction came when the auctioneer invited Dalles on-stage to auction an item. This item was a framed, signed, game-worn, Iowa Hawkeyes #66 Dalles Jacobus jersey. The crowd went bonkers when the item was announced with the legend standing in tow, after his speech the crowd was in absolute silence.
His very last jersey, from his career as an Iowa Hawkeye. A lifelong dream, since his days tailgating outside Kinnick as a child. Dalles Jacobus had dreamed of being a Hawkeye for as long as he could remember. This very last remnant of that past, something he could have, hold, and cherish for his future. Yet, willingly auctioning it off in order to benefit a cause that stirs in his heart. What more needs to be said about the character of this man? The jersey raised thousands of dollars to benefit Keeley & Kambry’s Tribe and their mission that historic night.
Ending that evening as the newest, biggest fan of Dalles Jacobus was special. It felt like sitting down again with a dear friend and chatting about the good ol’ times. Finishing that night, listening to a concert, and knowing all the good that has, and will come from this man’s journey filled my soul. It couldn’t have happened to a better human, and I’m thankful for the time I’ve had getting to know Dalles Jacobus. I can’t wait to watch you take your passion to the very top!
The very next month, I unknowingly ran into Dalles at an event for Warrior Rising. Dalles graciously volunteered his time and talents to open events for Warrior Rising this year by performing the National Anthem, thereby starting the night of festivities. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, as that’s the type of person that Dalles continues to be. Hopefully, Dalles will come back on The World With Nate in the future and we can have a laugh about the story from that Warrior Rising event, his music trips to Nashville, and the successful release of his record!
