Former Iowa Lineman Cody Ince Passes Away

Wisconsin Native All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2020

Iowa Football is mourning the loss of former offensive lineman Cody Ince, who passed away Saturday at the age of 23 at his home in Grantsburg, Wis. 

The cause of death has not been released publicly. His obituary indicated that his passing was unexpected. 

“I am incredibly sad to hear about Cody Ince’s sudden passing," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement released through the university. "Cody was a tremendous young man, valued teammate, and contributor to our program. He loved football, fishing and hunting, and believed in the importance of family and friendships. Cody was just beginning this next chapter of his life and was about to be married. 

"Mary and I are heartbroken for his fiancée, his family and all his friends who knew and loved him. All of us in the football program – his coaches and teammates – are mourning his loss.”

Ince started 10 of 29 games played during a Hawkeye career that spanned from 2018-21. It was cut short by injury. 

After starting the final six contests of the Covid-shortened '20 campaign, the Big Ten coaches and media selected Ince as an honorable mention pick on their all-conference teams. He appeared in 10 games the next season, starting four. He was slowed by injuries and eventually retired from the game. 

Ince, born Dec. 18, 1999, was engaged to be married to Olivia Tucker. He was survived by a large group of family and friends, including his parents, Tammy and Marty Ince of  Luck, Wis. 

Ince earned academic all-Big Ten honors. He was a member of the dean's list at Iowa in the spring of '21. 

"I have had the honor of knowing and playing with Cody while I was at the University of Iowa," Purdue receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. wrote on Ince's memorial page Tuesday morning. "He was not only a great teammate but an amazing person! Always smiling and cracking jokes but he took his job on the field personally and I loved that about him. He used to always bring in deer jerky or sunflower seeds and he made sure I got some every time. 

"It’s the little things that I will remember! Thank you Cody for being such an amazing person and friend!"

Family will greet visitors on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM with a Celebration of Life at 4:00 PM officiated by Rev. Angie Kutney and followed by a continued celebration at the BrowTine Event Center, 1361 100th Street, Amery, Wis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Hunter Pederson, Landan Paulsen, Levi Paulsen, Jack Heflin, Corey Sandberg and Drew Alderman. Heflin and the Paulsens were Iowa teammates. 

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donation memorials go to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Cody’s name. Please feel free to leave your card/donation at the Visitation/Celebration of Life and Cody’s family will see that it is properly received by the Children’s Hospital.