Iowa cornerback B.J. Lowery's strong play at cornerback has been a treat for Iowa fans and the University of Iowa has decided to honor his performance with a special-edition seasoning salt. The salt will be known as "Lowery's 'Cepting Salt", and will be available as a free add-on to popcorn orders at Kinnick Stadium, as well as being sold online and at licensed Hawkeye merchandise stores.
"B.J.'s play this year has been exciting, spicy, and tasty, and his seasoning salt won't be any different," said Executive Vice President for Food and Bumper Sticker Tie-Ins Mitch Hammond. "It's a rich mix of fresh ground pepper, cayenne, turmeric, curry powder and, of course, salt. It goes great with popcorn, but can be used just as well as a rub on steaks or pork, too."
Lowery caught the attention of national viewers when he snagged a crucial one-handed interception against Iowa State, and then outdid himself by returning two interceptions for touchdowns against Western Michigan, a feat that earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.
"To get a seasoning salt named after you is really humbling," said Lowery. "I personally prefer that imitation movie butter seasoning on my popcorn, but this stuff is really good as a marinade for shrimp I've found."
The idea for a spice-based tribute came to Hammond while he was cooking. "I was lost in thought trying to think of a way to honor B.J. and I guess I reached for the wrong bottle. Pretty soon I was adding two tablespoons of Lawry's Seasoned Salt to my marinara sauce instead of the oregano flakes I intended. The sauce was ... unusual, but seeing that bottle gave me an idea. Pretty soon I was on the phone with Lawry's and we were in business."
The seasoning, which will be produced in conjunction with the seasoned salt megagiant Lawry's according to a recipe designed by Lowery, will go on sale for $19.99 for an eight ounce bottle. Proceeds from its sale will benefit the UIHC's Department of Otolaryngology, and specifically their Center for the Treatment of Dysgeusia.
Lowery's Cepting' Salt is the first seasoning created in honor of a player since Herb's De Provence Grigsby was unsuccessfully marketed at the 2005 Iowa Spring Game.