The Iowa City pipeline to the NFL remains strong as the league currently has 29 active players from the University of Iowa program.
The Iowa program is well-represented on both sides of the football, but a majority of the current NFL Hawkeyes play on defense (15).
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers love former Hawkeyes with four on the active roster. Those players include Anthony Nelson (linebacker), Kaevon Merriweather (safety), Sebastian Castro (safety), and Tristan Wirfs (offensive line).
The four former Hawkeyes have helped Tampa Bay to a 6-2 record to begin the season, good for first place in the NFC South.
The Buccaneers have been clicking on both sides of the ball and are succeeding despite the absence of multiple key players, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving.
During their last game against New Orleans on Sunday, Tampa Bay was outgained in total yards (275 to 212), but its defense forced four turnovers (two fumbles, two interceptions) and held the Saints to only three points.
One former Hawkeye had his fingerprints all over the game and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after Tampa Bay's 23-3 victory.
The first NFL player to record two sacks, a forced fumble & a pick six in a single game since 2007 👏
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 29, 2025
Well deserved, @ANelly98! pic.twitter.com/A10yhPExZm
Linebacker Anthony Nelson was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after tallying two sacks, a forced fubmle, and had a pick-six in the game.
He also added 4 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.
Nelson became the first defensive player since the 2007 season to record a stat line of two sacks, a forced fumble and a pick-six.
The NFL may change but one thing that will never change: Hawkeyes are just built different.