When new Troy tight end JT Tang landed in Oakland, Calif., on his first-ever trip to the United States as he was preparing to play at Laney College, he was buzzing with excitement — the start of a dream he'd been quietly building from halfway around the world. But just two hours after arriving, that dream took a gut-punch.
"I stopped at In-N-Out for food," Tang said. "When I came back out, the car windows were smashed and everything was gone — my suitcases, passport, laptop, phone."
It was a jarring introduction to his new life, and one that nearly sent him packing.
"That first night, jet-lagged and awake at 4 a.m., I definitely thought about going home," he said. "But I figured, I've come this far — I want to see how this ends."
What began as a leap of faith has turned into a full-throttle football journey, one that has taken Tang from the beaches of Sydney to the gridiron of Alabama. And while his path has been unconventional, it's also been a reflection of the quiet determination and athletic pedigree that define him.
A Childhood Built on Sports
Though Tang was born in China, his family relocated to Australia before his first birthday. He grew up in Sydney, later moving to Melbourne during high school before returning north.
Sports weren't just part of Tang's life — they were the defining element of it. He started in tennis, pouring countless hours into his development. Along the way, he added soccer, basketball, and eventually rugby to his resume.
"I spent so much time playing sports as a kid — that was fun for me," Tang said. "Even at six or seven years old, I'd just want to go outside and kick the soccer ball around with my dad. It wasn't about what I was doing, but who I was doing it with."
That mindset — sport as connection and self-expression — was forged in a uniquely Australian culture, where school-based athletics take a backseat to club and private development. And with a family like his, it's no wonder he was always in motion.
Born Into a Legacy
Athleticism runs deep in the Tang family. His father, though he never pursued sports seriously, was a naturally gifted athlete who played European handball and basketball. His mother, Jian, took it a step further — much further. She won a silver medal in softball at the 1996 Olympics representing China and competed again in the 2000 Sydney Games.
"Mom still talks about how finishing fourth in 2000 haunts her a little," Tang said. "But playing in front of her new home crowd, that probably helped her decide to stay in Australia."
Now, Tang's younger sister Anni is continuing the legacy. At 6-foot-6, she's already representing Australia in international volleyball competitions and will play collegiately at Tennessee in 2026.
Falling in Love with Football — From a Screen
Despite his family's sporting pedigree, American football was nowhere on Tang's radar growing up. That changed thanks to an iconic NFL comeback.
"I think the first time I ever saw football was watching highlights of the 28–3 Super Bowl — Tom Brady and the Patriots," he said. "That was my introduction."
From there, he began following the NFL and eventually dove into college football during LSU's electric 2019 title run – two seasons after Troy's victory over the Tigers in Baton Rouge. The more he watched, the more the game drew him in.
After breaking his leg playing rugby and taking time to recover, Tang was lifting weights and itching for a new challenge. He began playing American football locally with some friends and quickly fell in love with the game.
"I sent some film out to JUCOs in the U.S.," he said. "I got some interest, and next thing I knew, I was on a flight to Oakland."
Bouncing Between Coasts — and Finding a Home
Oakland was the first stop, but after a coaching staff turnover, Tang transferred to Butler Community College this spring before earning the opportunity to join Troy's roster this summer.
Why tight end?
"I like catching touchdowns," he said. "But I also like blocking, being in the trenches. With my size and movement, it just made sense."
Eyes on the Future, Heart Still at Home
Tang keeps in touch with his family over WhatsApp and tries to visit Australia once a year. Though his parents haven't yet seen him play in person, he hopes they can make it over this season.
"They've seen clips and streamed some games, but to have them at a home game would be really special," Tang said.
As for what comes next, Tang is focused on the present.
"I just want to see how far I can take this — grind, work hard, and enjoy the ride," he said. "No crazy expectations, just giving it everything."
When football ends, he sees himself eventually returning to Australia — perhaps applying his psychology degree in ways that align with his passions. But for now, he's embracing every bit of his unexpected American adventure.
From Olympic roots and backyard kickarounds to YouTube highlights and ESPN dreams, JT Tang's journey is a powerful reminder: no matter where you start, greatness begins with belief — and a whole lot of grit.