ANTIGONISH, NS – Former X-Men football linebacker Henoc Muamba is heading to the NFL. The 6'0', 238 pound native of Mississauga, Ont. signed with the Indianapolis Colts on February 6th as an undrafted free agent.
Muamba had spent the previous three seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. The Bombers released him to pursue NFL interests after he had worked out with several interested NFL teams.
X-Men football head coach Gary Waterman who coached Muamba throughout both his university and high school careers commented, "We were all excited to learn the news of Henoc's signing with the Colts."
"We are proud of him and happy for his family. The Colts are getting and outstanding player and an even better person. Henoc is a testament to the statement that hard work pays off."
Muamba enjoyed a very successful four seasons with the X-Men, playing from 2007 to 2010. A three-time CIS All-Canadian and AUS all-star, he was honored with the President's Trophy in 2010 as the top defensive player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport. Muamba was twice named the AUS Defensive Player of the Year (2010, 2008) and upon leaving StFX was the school's all-time career leader in tackles with 149.5. He competed in the 2010 East-West Bowl which features the top annual CFL prospects.
Muamba went on to be selected first overall in the 2011 CFL draft by the Blue Bombers. In his three years with Winnipeg, the 24 year old accumulated 171 tackles, 53 special teams stops, four sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
This past season he was honored by the CFL as the recipient of the Lew Hayman Trophy, given to the best Canadian player in the East Division, in addition to being named a CFL all-star. In 2013 Muamba played in all 18 games for Winnipeg, ranking second overall in the league with 106 tackles. He also had 18 special teams stops, one sack and one interception.
The Blue Bombers awarded Muamba with the 2013 Ed Kotowich 'Good Guy' Award, which recognizes a Blue Bomber player for their excellence in combining football ability, team camaraderie and extraordinary effort in the community.
In 2012, Muamba ranked second on the team with 65 tackles, while recording a team-high 20 special teams stops and a career-high three sacks. He also led the CFL with five forced fumbles and was twice named the CFL's Canadian Player of the Week.
To date, Canadian university football (including pre-1965 and modern era of CIS football) has produced 26 players who have played in at least one regular season or playoff game in the NFL. The complete list can be found by clicking here.
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