**GOOD NEWS: Tyrese Haliburton Shows Support for Iowa State Football During Training Camp**

 

In a heartwarming display of school pride and athletic unity, **Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton** made a surprise visit to **Iowa State University’s football training camp** this week, offering encouragement to players and reaffirming his deep-rooted connection to his alma mater.

Haliburton, a two-time NBA All-Star and standout member of Team USA’s gold medal–winning squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has long been an ambassador for Iowa State athletics. His visit to the Cyclones’ football camp is the latest example of that loyalty.

 

### A Welcome Presence in Ames

 

Coaches and players alike were thrilled to see the former Cyclone walk onto the practice field in Ames. Haliburton spoke briefly to the team following a morning session, emphasizing themes of discipline, culture, and the value of representing Iowa State with pride.

 

“Being a Cyclone is about more than just what happens on game day,” Haliburton told the team. “It’s about showing up for each other, putting in the work every single day, and understanding that you’re part of something bigger. I carry that with me in the NBA, and I hope you carry it with you out here.”

 

The moment was captured on video and quickly made its way across Cyclone social media channels, drawing praise from fans, alumni, and fellow athletes.

 

### A Legacy of Loyalty

 

Haliburton played two seasons for Iowa State (2018–2020), becoming one of the most beloved players in recent memory. After being drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020 and later traded to the Indiana Pacers, he’s continued to maintain strong ties to ISU. He has supported both men’s basketball and broader athletic programs, and earlier this year, he returned to Ames to celebrate the unveiling of his Olympic gold medal banner during a men’s basketball game at Hilton Coliseum.

 

Coach T.J. Otzelberger has often praised Haliburton’s character and loyalty, saying, “He’s one of those guys who never forgets where he came from. He always has time for Iowa State.”

 

### Boosting Team Morale

 

For the Iowa State football program—currently in the midst of an intense training camp ahead of its 2025 season—Haliburton’s visit served as both motivation and a unifying moment. Head Coach Matt Campbell noted that Haliburton’s presence reminded players of the broader community backing them.

 

“It’s special when someone like Tyrese takes the time to show up,” said Campbell. “He knows what it means to wear the Cardinal and Gold, and his words hit home for a lot of guys today.”

 

### Looking Ahead

With Haliburton expected to attend at least one ISU football game this fall—including the high-profile Cy-Hawk showdown against Iowa—his role as an informal ambassador for Iowa State athletics continues to grow. His presence at training camp not only lifted spirits but reinforced the tight-knit bond that defines Cyclone Nation.

 

As one player put it after the visit, “He’s in the league now, but he’s still one of us.”