T.J. Maguranyanga, an immensely gifted athletic talent from Harare, Zimbabwe has begun a remarkable journey. Aside from being only the second Black starter at UH since 2002, he recently signed with the National Football League’s Washington Commanders. Born in Zimbabwe, Maguranyanga immigrated to South Africa when he was 12 years old. His childhood in Johannesburg would have a profound effect on his eclectic athletic career. Whether it was in basketball or track, he dominated before bursting onto the rugby scene.
Maguranyanga first attended St. Stithians, a well-known private high school in Johannesburg, where he made a significant impact in rugby union. His incredible play earned him exposure to scouts, as he was quickly moved up through the ranks of elite rugby. From 2021 until the end of the 2023-2024 season, he has played for Clermont, one of the best rugby clubs in France. It was in this era that he cemented his place as one of the most-decorated and highly-respected wingers in history.
So just one day after his season with Clermont finished, Maguranyanga seized a remarkable opportunity. With his newfound skills, he was recruited to attend the trials for the International Pathway Program (IPP). This new program looks to recruit elite international athletes looking to jump into American football. Maguranyanga considers it a significant step in the pursuit of his lifelong dream of reaching the NFL.
Maguranyanga’s motivation to play American football came from seeing clips of legendary linebacker Ray Lewis. So I found them really motivating – just the physical aspect of the game – so I’d watch cut up videos of Ray Lewis before I went to rugby games. That’s where it all started,” Maguranyanga reflected. It was this admiration for Lewis that stoked his desire to change sports.
His journey has not been without challenges. The competition, with minimal experience in American football, Maguranyanga faces fierce competition for playing time. He thinks a lot of the skills that he honed playing rugby will translate nicely and allow him to succeed at the NFL level. This is particularly pronounced at the Edge Rusher position. “Being able to track defenders and get off the line of scrimmage very quickly – those are things that translate very well between the two sports – just as well as the size and athleticism,” he noted.
Still, Maguranyanga has tightened his sails and despite what seems to be an uncertain future, he is still hopeful of making a mark during the preseason in August. He’s convinced rugby players will increasingly make the switch to American football. They’re visionaries when it comes to what it will take to be successful, not just hockey, but across sports. “From the time I was quite young, I was a bit delusional – thinking that I was going to be a two-sport athlete,” he stated with a hint of nostalgia.
His family remaining in Zimbabwe have stood fast with him, continuing to support his journey through adversity. “If this is part of God’s plan for me, then somewhere in the future, the NFL will contact me,” he expressed, highlighting his faith and determination.
T.J. Maguranyanga is looking to take his talents to a new turf. He leaves with the hopes and encouragement of his family and friends back home. It marks a major personal milestone for me as well. Finally, it creates new opportunities for kids of color to see their aspirations come true in the highest levels of professional athletics.
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