Henoc Muamba

{{Short description|Congolese-Canadian gridiron football player (born 1989)}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Henoc Muamba

| current_team =

| image = 2022, 10, Hénoc Muamba (2).jpg

| caption = Muamba with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022

| number = 10, 51

| position = Linebacker

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|2|23}}

| birth_place = Kinshasa, Zaire

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 0

| weight_lbs = 230

| high_school = Father Michael Goetz Secondary School {{nowrap|(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)}}

| pastteams =

Winnipeg Blue Bombers ({{CFL Year|2011}}–{{CFL Year|2013}})
Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
Montreal Alouettes ({{CFL Year|2015}})
Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2016}})*
Saskatchewan Roughriders ({{CFL Year|2016}}–{{CFL Year|2017}})
Montreal Alouettes ({{CFL Year|2018}}–{{CFL Year|2020}})
Toronto Argonauts ({{CFL Year|2021|2023}})

| cflstatus = National

| cis = St. Francis Xavier

| cfldraftyear = 2011

| cfldraftround = 1

| cfldraftpick = 1

| highlights =

Grey Cup champion (2022)
Grey Cup Most Valuable Player (2022)
Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian (2022)
CFL Most Outstanding Canadian ({{CFL Year|2017}})
2× Lew Hayman Trophy ({{CFL Year|2013}}, {{CFL Year|2019}})
2× CFL All-Star ({{CFL Year|2013}}, {{CFL Year|2019}})
3× CFL East All-Star ({{CFL Year|2013}}, {{CFL Year|2018}}, {{CFL Year|2019}})
Presidents' Trophy (2010)
2× First-team CIS All-Canadian (2008, 2010)
Second-team CIS All-Canadian (2009)

| statlabel1 = Games played

| statvalue1 = 13

| statlabel2 = Total tackles

| statvalue2 = 6

| cflstatlabel1 = Games played

| cflstatvalue1 = 135

| cflstatlabel2 = Total tackles

| cflstatvalue2 = 592

| cflstatlabel3 = Sacks

| cflstatvalue3 = 17.0

| cflstatlabel4 = Forced fumbles

| cflstatvalue4 = 14

| cflstatlabel5 = Interceptions

| cflstatvalue5 = 8

| cfl = henoc-muamba/

| pfr = M/MuamHe00

}}

Henoc Muamba (born February 23, 1989) is a Congolese-Canadian former professional football linebacker who played in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL). He was a two-time CFL All-Star, three-time CFL Divisional All-Star, and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2017. In 2022, he won the Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts and was named the game's most valuable player (MVP) and Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian, becoming the second player in history to earn both awards. He was also a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Indianapolis Colts, Montreal Alouettes, Dallas Cowboys, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

He was selected first overall by the Blue Bombers in the 2011 CFL draft, becoming the first player from the St. Francis Xavier X-Men to be chosen first overall in the draft.

Professional career

= Winnipeg Blue Bombers =

In the Canadian Football League’s Amateur Scouting Bureau final rankings, he was ranked as the third-best player for players eligible in the 2011 CFL draft, and first by players in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2011/04/05/cfl-prospects-april-2011-rankings/ |title=CFL Prospects: April 2011 Rankings |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} On May 6, 2011, a Winnipeg Blue Bombers source leaked the Blue Bombers' intentions to select Muamba with the first overall pick in the 2011 CFL draft.{{cite web|url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2011/05/06/bombers-rolling-out-red-carpet-for-muamba/|title=Bombers rolling out red carpet for Muamba|publisher=CityNews|date=May 6, 2011}} To no surprise, Muamba was indeed selected first overall by Winnipeg in the draft and was signed to his first professional contract on May 30, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2011/05/30/bombers-sign-first-overall-pick-muamba/ |title=Bombers sign first overall pick Muamba |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=May 30, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2020}}

He played in his first professional game on August 26, 2011, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He played mostly on special teams in his first year in the league and scored his first touchdown on a blocked punt return which he brought back 52 yards for the score on September 30, 2011, against the Montreal Alouettes.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/als-hang-on-to-beat-bombers/article555403/ |title=Als hang on to beat Bombers |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=September 30, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} Muamba played in 11 regular season games in 2011 where he totalled 15 special teams tackles, one forced fumble, and one touchdown. He played in both post-season games, including his first Grey Cup appearance in the 2011 championship game, but the Blue Bombers lost to the BC Lions.

Muamba became a very significant part of the Bombers defence in 2012 as he recorded 65 tackles and three sacks while adding another 20 tackles on special teams. Muamba built upon the strong 2012 season he had with an even better 2013 season. He set a new career high with 106 defensive tackles (second most in the league), while also adding one quarterback sack and one interception.{{cite web|url=https://www.bluebombers.com/2013/11/07/henoc-muamba-most-outstanding-canadian-cfl-east-division/ |title=Henoc Muamba Most Outstanding Canadian CFL East Division |publisher=Winnipeg Blue Bombers |date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} His outstanding 2013 campaign was recognized by the Blue Bombers as he was unanimously voted as the team's Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Canadian.{{cite web|url=https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/blue-bombers-linebacker-muamba-secures-three-outstanding-player-nominations-1.1520669 |title=Blue Bombers linebacker Muamba secures three outstanding player nominations |publisher=CTV Winnipeg |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} He won the Lew Hayman Trophy as the East Division's Most Outstanding Canadian. On February 5, 2014, Muamba was released by the Blue Bombers to pursue an NFL contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/henoc-muamba-released-by-blue-bombers-1.2524141 |title=Henoc Muamba released by Blue Bombers |publisher=CBC News |date=February 5, 2013 |access-date=December 16, 2020}}

= Indianapolis Colts =

On February 6, 2014, Muamba signed with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=443182|title=Report: Former Bomber Muamba signs with Colts|work=TSN.ca|date=February 6, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2014}} He played in 13 regular season games with the Colts and recorded three solo tackles and two assisted tackles. He was waived on September 5, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.colts.com/2015/09/05/indianapolis-colts-make-roster-moves-102/|title=Indianapolis Colts Make Roster Moves|work=blogs.colts.com|date=September 5, 2015|access-date=September 6, 2015|archive-date=September 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907133846/http://blogs.colts.com/2015/09/05/indianapolis-colts-make-roster-moves-102/|url-status=dead}}

= Montreal Alouettes (first stint)=

On September 30, 2015, Muamba signed with the Montreal Alouettes nearing the end of the 2015 CFL season.{{cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-bring-linebacker-henoc-muamba-into-the-fold|title=Alouettes bring linebacker Henoc Muamba into the fold|last=Zurkowsky|first=Herb|work=montrealgazette.com|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2015}} Muamba played in four games for the Alouettes, contributing 14 tackles and one interception. On February 16, 2016, Muamba was released by the Alouettes to once again pursue his NFL interest.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2016/02/16/alouettes-release-linebacker-henoc-muamba/|title=Alouettes release linebacker Henoc Muamba|work=cfl.ca|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2016}}

= Dallas Cowboys =

Muamba signed with the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL on July 30, 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/canadian-linebacker-henoc-muamba-signs-nfl-deal-cowboys/|title=Canadian linebacker Henoc Muamba signs NFL deal with Cowboys - Sportsnet.ca|language=en-US|access-date=October 6, 2016}} He was released by the Cowboys on the final 53-man cut down day September 2, 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://3downnation.com/2016/09/04/cfl-landing-spots-final-nfl-cuts/|title=CFL landing spots for the final NFL cuts|last=Hodge|first=John|date=September 4, 2016|website=3DownNation|access-date=October 6, 2016}}

= Saskatchewan Roughriders =

On October 5, 2016, Muamba and the Saskatchewan Roughriders agreed to terms on a contract bringing him back to the CFL for the third time. In a partial season with the Riders, Muamba contributed 18 tackles on defence, nine on specials teams, with two sacks and two forced fumbles. In his second season in Saskatchewan, Muamba played in 17 regular season games, amassing 82 defensive tackles, 11 tackles on special teams, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. Muamba was released by the Riders at the start of free agency, to avoid paying him an offseason bonus of $35,000 Canadian.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/02/14/riders-release-lb-henoc-muamba/|title=Riders release LB Henoc Muamba |publisher=CFL.ca |date=February 14, 2018 |access-date=April 12, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://3downnation.com/2018/02/14/with-bonus-looming-riders-asking-lb-henoc-muamba-to-take-a-pay-cut/ |title=With bonus looming, Riders release LB Henoc Muamba |publisher=3DownNation |date=February 14, 2018}}

= Montreal Alouettes (second stint) =

On April 12, 2018, Muamba agreed to a three-year contract with the Alouettes with whom he had played during the 2015 CFL season.{{Cite news|url=https://en.montrealalouettes.com/2018/04/11/linebacker-henoc-muamba-returns-alouettes/|title=Linebacker Hénoc Muamba returns to the Alouettes - Montreal Alouettes|date=April 11, 2018|work=Montreal Alouettes|access-date=April 12, 2018}} Muamba earned a career high in tackles with 108, a career high in sacks with five, as well as one interception and one forced fumble. This standout season earned Muamba award nominations by the Alouettes for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player, Defensive Player, and Canadian Player.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/10/31/cfl-announces-2018-team-award-winners/ |title=CFL announces 2018 team award winners |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=October 31, 2018 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} Muamba was also named to the CFL-East All-Star team.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/11/07/star-power-2018-cfl-divisional-stars-announced/ |title=Star Power: 2018 CFL Divisional All-Stars announced |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=December 16, 2020}}

Muamba had another strong season in 2019 as he played in 17 regular season games and recorded 93 defensive tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles. He again received the team nomination for Most Outstanding Canadian and this time won the league award for the first time in his career.{{cite web|url=https://en.montrealalouettes.com/2019/11/22/henoc-muamba-named-outstanding-canadian/ |title=Henoc Muamba named Most Outstanding Canadian |publisher=Montreal Alouettes |date=November 22, 2019 |access-date=December 16, 2020}} He was also named a CFL All-Star for the second time in his career for the 2019 season.{{cite web|title=Stars Aligned: 2019 CFL All-Stars unveiled |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/27/stars-aligned-2019-cfl-stars-unveiled/ |publisher=Canadian Football League|date=November 27, 2019}} The Alouettes also returned to the playoffs in 2019 after a four-year absence and Muamba played in two post-season games where he recorded a total of 15 defensive tackles.

= Toronto Argonauts =

On March 16, 2021, Muamba signed with the Toronto Argonauts.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2021/03/16/henoc-muamba-ends-free-agency-signs-w-argos/ |title=HENOC MUAMBA ENDS HIS FREE AGENCY, SIGNS W/ ARGOS |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=March 16, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2021}} In his first season in Toronto Muamba played in 10 games contributing with 49 tackles, two quarterbacks sacks and one interception. He re-signed with the Argos on January 25, 2022.{{Cite web|author=TSN ca Staff|date=January 25, 2022|title=Argonauts extend Canadian LB Muamba - TSN.ca|url=https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-argonauts-canadian-lb-henoc-muamba-cfl-1.1750422|access-date=January 26, 2022|website=TSN|language=en}} In his second season with the Argos Muamba played in 17 regular season games and recorded 75 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks, two interceptions and one tackle on special teams. He won the 109th Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning both the Grey Cup MVP and Most Valuable Canadian in the process.{{cite web|first=Donna|last=Spencer|title=Argonauts linebacker Henoc Muamba named Grey Cup MVP, outstanding Canadian|date=November 21, 2022|website=CBC.ca|agency=The Canadian Press|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/henoc-muamba-grey-cup-mvp-outstanding-canadian-cfl-1.6658725|access-date=November 22, 2022}}

Following the 2022 season, in late January 2023, Muamba revealed he was considering retirement after 11 seasons of professional football.{{Cite news |last=Ralph |first=Dan |date=2023-01-23 |title=Veteran CFL linebacker Muamba still pondering his football future |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-veteran-cfl-linebacker-muamba-still-pondering-his-football-future-2/ |access-date=2023-02-17}} With his playing future uncertain he became a free agent on February 14, 2023. In the days following the start of free agency the Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said the team was in correspondence with Muamba about his future.{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=2023-02-16 |title=Toronto Argonauts remain in touch with McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Henoc Muamba in free agency |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-remain-in-touch-with-mcleod-bethel-thompson-henoc-muamba-in-free-agency-1.1920155 |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}} However, it was announced on February 21, 2023, that he had re-signed with the Argonauts.{{cite web|url=https://www.argonauts.ca/2023/02/21/grey-cup-most-outstanding-player-canadian-henoc-muamba-is-back-in-double-blue/ |title=Grey Cup Most Outstanding Player & Canadian Henoc Muamba is back in double blue |publisher=Toronto Argonauts |date=February 21, 2023}} Muamba missed the entire 2023 season due to injury. He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 13, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/fa24/ |title=Official 2024 Free Agent Tracker |publisher=Canadian Football League |access-date=February 24, 2024}} He retired on February 26, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2024/02/26/former-first-overall-pick-grey-cup-mvp-henoc-muamba-retires-from-cfl/ |title=Former first overall pick, Grey Cup MVP Hénoc Muamba retires from CFL |publisher=3DownNation |access-date=February 26, 2024}}

Personal life

Muamba was born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), but grew up in Mississauga, Ontario.{{cite web|url=http://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/4351912-bombers-release-nfl-bound-henoc-muamba/|title=Bombers release NFL-bound Henoc Muamba|work=Mississauga.com|date=February 5, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2014}} He played university football for St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and is the school's all-time leader in tackles, with 149.5.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.colts.com/2014/02/06/indianapolis-colts-sign-lb-henoc-muamba/|title=Indianapolis Colts sign LB-Henoc Muamba|work=Colts.com|date=February 6, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2014|archive-date=February 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208045731/http://blogs.colts.com/2014/02/06/indianapolis-colts-sign-lb-henoc-muamba/|url-status=dead}} His brother, Cauchy Muamba, is a defensive back who also plays professionally and played with Hénoc and the Alouettes in 2019. In 2023, he was nominated and was one of the recipients of the 2023 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.{{cite web | url=https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/canadas-top-25-immigrants-2023 | title=Canadas Top 25 Immigrants 2023 }}