Thabani Maguranyanga hopes to make waves after switching from rugby to football with the Washington Commanders. The Zimbabwean athlete started watching Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis and has dreamed about playing American football since childhood. He played professional rugby for ASM Clermont Auvergne between 2021 and 2024 before transitioning to become an edge rusher.
Maguranyanga believes rugby players have qualities that translate well into NFL positions. His athletic background includes playing on the rugby wing and participating in basketball and track during his school years in South Africa.
The young player sees significant financial potential through his NFL move. Professional football salaries dramatically outpace rugby earnings. A recent example shows NFL linebacker Nate Landman earning over $1.1 million annually compared to much lower rugby wages.
His family fully supports the career transition. His father, Gerald, worked as a strength and conditioning coach for Zimbabwe national teams and understands sporting ambitions. Maguranyanga will likely prove himself during preseason trials in August.
The NFL International Player Pathway program continues attracting talented rugby athletes. Following success stories like Jordan Mailata winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, more rugby players are considering American football careers. Maguranyanga represents another potential success story for cross-sport athletes.
Maguranyanga believes rugby players have qualities that translate well into NFL positions. His athletic background includes playing on the rugby wing and participating in basketball and track during his school years in South Africa.
The young player sees significant financial potential through his NFL move. Professional football salaries dramatically outpace rugby earnings. A recent example shows NFL linebacker Nate Landman earning over $1.1 million annually compared to much lower rugby wages.
His family fully supports the career transition. His father, Gerald, worked as a strength and conditioning coach for Zimbabwe national teams and understands sporting ambitions. Maguranyanga will likely prove himself during preseason trials in August.
The NFL International Player Pathway program continues attracting talented rugby athletes. Following success stories like Jordan Mailata winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, more rugby players are considering American football careers. Maguranyanga represents another potential success story for cross-sport athletes.
