Former Cyclone and current Baltimore Ravens cornerback T.J. Tampa Jr. may not define his Iowa State career by headlines or highlights, but by something simpler: showing up and doing the work. 

Known as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation during his senior year at Iowa State in the 2023 season, Tampa was once a freshman who tallied only five tackles before he grew into his cardinal and gold jersey, later taking off in the league.

From St. Petersburg, Florida, Tampa was an individual who worked hard to earn his place at Iowa State and later in a Ravens jersey. Starting by playing nine games on special teams and as a reserve in the secondary his freshman year, Tampa used his work ethic and determination to become the defensive player the Cyclones were looking for.

By his sophomore year, Tampa played in 13 games, starting in five, and secured 18 tackles and three pass breakups. In his junior year, Tampa was in all 12 games and was sixth on the Cyclone roster with 40 tackles, one interception and a team-best of nine pass breakups. 

Over his four years playing at Jack Trice Stadium, Tampa became a player that Cyclone fans yearned to watch as he anchored the back end of the Cyclone defense, which ranked No. 12 nationally in opponent completion percentage. 

Through his years of improvement, dedication and work ethic, Tampa ended his time at Iowa State with 106 total tackles, three interceptions and 22 pass deflections, before the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round, the 130th pick, in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Although his time in the Jack is done, Tampa has continued to grow as a player in a purple and black jersey. In his rookie season, Tampa made his appearance on the field in seven games and recorded two tackles. 

Despite making it to the league, Tampa is not one to stop trying and improving. Most recently in the 2025 season, Tampa posted 21 solo tackles and one interception. 

However, his time on the field is not done, as the statistics throughout the years highlight Tampa’s progression, but his journey was defined just as much by the people, moments and support that shaped him.

Is there anyone from Iowa State whom you would like to thank for being a significant part of your collegiate chapter or for your time spent as a student at Iowa State?

I would definitely say Anthony Johnson. He helped me a lot when I first got to Iowa State, especially from us being from the same city. He basically paved the way for me and taught me a lot of things about football and just life in general and he helped me a lot.

Do you have a specific game or moment at Iowa State that stands out to you, either good or bad?

I would say my junior year when we played Iowa. It was one of those games that made me realize that I really have a shot at making the league. And yeah, it was a complete game for me.

When you think about your journey from Iowa State to the NFL, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of just never really being complacent and just always pushing forward, no matter where I was. Like, of course, early, early on, you don’t play a lot, you might have some bad games, but just pushing through that and seeing the light at the end of the road and keep going.

Can you walk me through draft night and what that moment meant to you after all the work you put in at Iowa State?

It meant a lot, just seeing, like you said, all the hard work I put in, just to pay off. Yeah, it really meant everything for me and my family.

What advice would you give to current Iowa State football players who are going through a big transition in the program?

I would just say take the time as a player, as a person, just to reflect on their past and present and what would be the best future for you. If you feel like you need to go somewhere and find something else, then that’s good. But if you feel like you’re good where you’re at, then put the work in. You really don’t need everybody else that was at Iowa State; you can do it yourself. You can set that standard and should keep it going. 

Do you have a favorite moment with your Iowa State teammates, either on or off the field?

I really just say, all the hard workouts in the weight room, just because you really go through a lot with those guys and spend a lot of time with them. I would say those are the hardest moments to get through, and just seeing everybody push through it and get closer.

What’s it like being in the league with so many other Cyclones, as well as playing with two other guys who went through the same or a similar collegiate experience as you?

It’s great, and it’s always nice to know that you have people that have your back in the league, you can still ask questions, learn things and then you could pave the road for the future and all the other players that are gonna make the league because there will definitely be more and just helping those guys out and being that guy whenever they need help.

Looking back, what would you tell your younger Cyclone self about embracing your collegiate years and your journey to the NFL?

I would say, just keep going, really. That’s all you really can do at that point in the present, it just keeps going, keep fighting, keep working hard and you’ll just like what the outcome is.

When you think about your legacy as a Cyclone, what do you hope people remember most about you?

I would just say that I always showed up, did what I was supposed to, just ignored the outside world and kept going.