Maz Picked By Panthers

As an undrafted free agent, the 2025 NFL Draft threw up the addition of EDGE Defender, Mapalo ‘Maz’ Mwansa, to the roster of NFC South franchise, Carolina Panthers.

The former Loughborough University and Nottingham Caesars standout impressed during the 2024 season with the Division One National Championship-winning Caesars, and soon moved into the NFL International Player Pathway.

It is a programme which, in 2024, saw ex-Welsh rugby star, Louis Rees-Zammit, picked up by then defending Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs, among others.

Speaking late last year, of his move into the pathway, Mwansa said of his time in the East Midlands: “Nottingham Caesars is very much a friendly club in which I was able to hone in the skills I learned at my time at Loughborough.

“We had a talented squad of ex pros, prospects to play professionally and well-known names in Britball.

“In-depth scout reports weekly and game planning ahead of each opponent made game days much easier so we could focus on execution of our plays.

“Defensively, learning a new playbook helped my comprehension of football.

“I was able to change my skill-set to play off the ball and in space – having fun while doing so reaching and winning the National Championship.”

In fact, Mwansa was, alongside DL Laki Tasi (Australian rugby), TE Nathaniel Salmon (New Zealand/Australia basketball), and OL Jeneiro Wakeham (powerhouse Fiji rugby), named as one of the four, NFL prospects to watch, by NFL Media Analyst, Scott Pioli.

At 6ft 3ins, and over 225 pounds, Mwansa is said to boast impressive “athleticism and remarkable speed,” running the 40-yard dash at the CFL combine day in just 4.45 seconds.

Two years ago Mwansa was playing in the BUCS Premier North for Loughborough University, whilst last year he was tearing up fields in BAFA Division One for the Nottingham Caesars; now, he’s looking to push forth a dream which could see him pull on a Panthers jersey in the NFL later on this year.

Recently speaking to the Associated Press, Mwansa said: “I would never have thought I would be doing this four or five years ago.

“Even two years ago, football was not in the picture for me.

“The journey’s been a complete whistle-stop tour, and I’m trying to soak in as much as I can and just enjoy every bit of the process.

“If you don’t enjoy it, it shows throughout your results.

“But I love this game, and I will continue to love her and try to better myself eIach way I can.

“The journey is crazy when I think about it.”

It’ll be far from easy in ‘Queen City,’ a far cry from the East Midlands, trying out for just a pot on the roster of an NFL franchise is a tough ask; last season Coach Dan Canales’ side finished third in the four team NFL South, with a 5-12 record, behind Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.

Time will tell what will happen in Mwansa’s NFL career, but, at just 20-years-old, the multi-sport athlete is certainly a one to keep an eye on moving forward.

Ourselves in Nottingham most certainly will be; Good Luck Maz!!