Submitted photo Iowa's Anthony Nelson (98) stands with his mother, Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Christy (Balster) Nelson; his father, Jeff; and his brother, Nathan, in Tampa Bay before the Outback Bowl.

WAUKEE — Christy (Balster) Nelson has experienced plenty of “proud mom” moments during her son’s decorated athletic career.

Hearing Anthony’s name called during the 2019 NFL Draft now has its own special place in her heart.

Anthony Nelson was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round on Saturday. Some 1,400 miles away from the pro franchise’s home in Florida, the Nelsons held a small get-together with family and friends in the Des Moines suburb to celebrate the announcement.

“We were at the house (in Waukee) when Anthony got the call,” said Christy, a 1990 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate. “It was exciting … very much like something you see (with other players) on TV. We were waiting, and when Anthony’s phone rang, everyone got quiet. When he hung up, he said, ‘I’m going to Tampa Bay.’

“It’s so much fun to share something like that with people who have been there for Anthony from day one … the people closest to him and to us who care as much as they do about him — pro football player or not.”

The draft experience was an emotional rollercoaster for Anthony, who recorded 119 tackles, 24 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in just three seasons as a Hawkeye.

“At first it’s a relief, finishing the pre-draft process … which has been going on for four months,” Anthony said. “Then it’s excitement for the opportunity of a lifetime, and finally, having a team and destination set.

“I found myself reflecting on the journey to get there, starting with my family and all of the support they’ve given me to make this all possible.”

Anthony’s athletic roots run deep. His father, Jeff, was a defensive lineman for the University of Iowa from 1988-92 under head coach Hayden Fry. Christy was a multi-sport high school athlete herself, lettering in basketball, volleyball and cross country for the Dodgers.

After a standout career at Waukee High School, 6-foot-7 Anthony followed in his dad’s footsteps as a Hawkeye and developed into an all-Big Ten defensive end. Following his standout junior year this past fall, Anthony — a multi-time academic all-American — decide to leave Iowa and test the professional waters.

“Anthony graduated in three and a half years, so having his degree (in tow) played a big factor in (going pro),” said Christy, a program associate in special education through the Waukee School District. “It was tough, especially with (younger brother) Nathan still on the team. But Anthony has always been very self-motivated; he really pushes himself.

“He’s going to miss his Hawkeye teammates and family, but he’s looking forward to this next challenge.”

The family’s local ties have loosened some in recent years, but Anthony spent plenty of time in Fort Dodge growing up — both personally and athletically. Christy’s sister, Cindy (Balster) Burke, was the Chief Financial Officer at First American Bank in Fort Dodge before moving to Waukee. Christy and Cindy’s mom, Ivalene Balster, recently relocated to Johnston.

“We were in Fort Dodge quite a bit through the years, from holidays to our kids competing in tournaments and games (against the Dodgers) and (Cindy’s children) Robby and Megan’s (activities) at St. Edmond (Robby Burke was an all-state basketball player for the Gaels),” Christy said. “It was always kind of a different feeling when we’d be there for Anthony and Nathan’s (athletic events) … of course you cheer for your old high school, but in those situations, you’re obviously rooting for your kids.

“I just always wanted everyone to have a good game and not get hurt (when Fort Dodge and Waukee squared off).”

Anthony made the most out of his trips to Fort Dodge, starring as both a football and basketball leader for the Warriors.

“It was awesome to get to compete in Fort Dodge — my mom’s hometown — regularly,” Anthony said. “It was fun for her to get to come back and see people she knew from her time in school there.

“It was great to go up against her high school and win some bragging rights in the family.”

Christy and Jeff are looking forward to the next step in Anthony’s development, both as a player and as a person.

“As a parent, you support their choices and their dreams,” Christy said. “We’ll be there for him and cheer him on (in Tampa) … it’s such an exciting opportunity for him.”

Anthony’s move to Florida will be a big one. Christy recognized, “he’s going to be a long way from home for the first time.”

“It would’ve been a plus if he’d been drafted by a (midwest) team,” Christy said. “Close would’ve been great, but warm is awesome, too.”