Mapalo Mwansa
English American football player (born 2004/05)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mapalo Mwansa (born April 2, 2004) is a British American football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He came through the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program for 2025.
Peterborough, England
| No. 42 – Carolina Panthers | |
|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker |
| Roster status | Practice squad |
| Personal information | |
| Born | April 2, 2004 Peterborough, England |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Loughborough |
| NFL draft | 2025: undrafted |
| CFL draft | 2026G: 1st round, 9th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| |
* Offseason or practice squad member only | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Career
Mwansa grew up playing a lot of different sports and began powerlifting while at Loughborough University. He was scouted by a local football coach and took a "crash course" in the sport involving Netflix series Last Chance U and Quarterback, soon joined the school's BUAFL program and the Great Britain national team as a defensive end and linebacker, as well as playing for Nottingham Caesars of the BAFA National Leagues.[1][2][3] Mwansa was part of the Great Britain Men's national team for the IFAF European Championship qualifiers in October 2024.[4] He was named as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway in December 2024.[5][6]
On April 28, 2025, Mwansa signed with the Carolina Panthers.[3] He was waived on August 26, and re-signed to the practice squad.[7][8] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 12, 2026.[9]
He was drafted in the first round (ninth overall) by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2026 CFL global draft.[10]
On August 30, 2026, Mwansa was waived as part of final roster cuts and signed to the practice squad the next day.[11][12]
Personal life
Mwansa is an English native of Zambian descent.[13] He grew up in Peterborough, England,[3] and studied economics at Loughborough University. Mwansa ran 10.4 seconds for the 100 metres, and a 4.45-second 40-yard dash time.