International Pathway Profile Interview: Mapalo “Maz” Mwansa, OLB, United Kingdom/Zambia

• Name: Mapalo ‘Maz’ Mwansa
• Position: OLB/ Edge
• Country: United Kingdom and Zambia
• Height: 6 ft. 2
• Weight: 230lbs
• Instagram: mapalomwansa_

When did you start playing American Football?

Growing up in Peterborough, England I represented my high school Spalding Grammar School at rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field and cricket. In pursuit of education, I went to Loughborough University to study a Bachelor of Science in Economics and finance. I participated in a sports day during where I clocked a hand time 10.48, leading me to be persuaded to start football. In Gen Z fashion I educated myself on the game over summer break by binge watching Last Chance U and Quarterback. I joined my university team in the fall of 2023 while participating in powerlifting. Along the way in 2024 at 19 participated in the UK CFL combine where I achieved a 4.45 40 yard dash and chased my dream if the NFL. However, as part of my university degree I worked full time in my third year as an accountant for MHA a member of Baker Tilly International a top 9 accounting firm in the world. For multiple months I juggled work, lifting and learning football by myself.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

My story required faith in God to elevate me from my current situation, as well as radical self-belief to believe such things are possible in a short time period. I demonstrated the ability to show up every day having a 1% better mentality regardless of how I felt as it’s not how you feel but about what you do.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Hands around the world. I do not believe that the environment you were born into should be a limiting factor into quality of life.

Who was your role model?

My parents have been my role models – watching them sacrifice a lot, and take risks so that we could have opportunities in life.

Do you have a favorite NFL team?

By having Jordan Malaita as an advocate for the NFL IPP, researching his story as an international athlete being drafted and having a successful career drew me to watching the Eagles defense initially. There are few teams which have showed they trust international talent enough to draft them so I became fond of the club. I had watched a lot of film on Nolan Smith Jr being explosive of the edge and the way he got of the ball. There’s a lot of guys I looked at Nik Bonnito, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, TJ Watt a lot of guys who get off the ball, bend well and are explosive.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr Walker my highschool PE teacher. He really made me enjoy learning.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

When working as an accountant my days started at 4:50to lift, working 8am – 5pm then ending the days with drives 3 hour round trips to training, or finding a nearby park with light to complete fieldwork. I was completing all of this without the knowledge that I’d be part of the IPP but because I had aspirations for my future. So, in each basket I had my hand in I just gave it my all, in order to be as ready as possible for any opportunity which then came my way. Overcoming the box which people placed me in – telling me that I was too ambitious to aim this high and that I should lower my gaze was something I overcame, not allowing the negativity to influence my mindset. I was relentless every day in attacking all spheres of my “double life”, always being on the go and carrying what I needed in the boot of my car.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Nandos

What is your favorite snack food?

Chocolate chip Gatorade bars

What would it be like to make an NFL roster?

Making an NFL roster allows me to engrain my family name in history and give a lot of people hope as my story is unorthodox. The dream I have has been short lived however this sport is something I’ve grown an immense passion for and chased regardless of the financial stress it put me under by completing a juggling act, having to travel all across the UK.

What would it mean to you to represent your country in the NFL?

Representing two nations that being my parents country where they were born (Zambia) and the culture of the household I grew up in. The country I was born and raised in (United Kingdom),  can give hope to children of those countries to dream bigger than they believe is possible.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

1. Eugene Amo Dadzie – ‘The world’s fastest accountant’. His story about the illogical journey into sprinting he had, led by faith and achieving British titles at the age of 30 when starting his career at 26 really inspired me not to limit myself and remember that I am highly favoured. It pushed me take up a new sport at 19 and give my all to see where I could go
2. Jesus Christ – As a Christian man I’d love to sit down with the man who died for my sins and just to be in his company.
3. Yaya Toure – a Soccer legend who is the reason I support Manchester City and one of the greatest African midfielders ever.

What is your biggest weakness? 

I’m not too worried about weaknesses, for where I am weak the lord strengthens me.