Hénoc Muamba

Hénoc Muamba (born February 23, 1989) is a Congolese-Canadian football player for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was selected first overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2011 CFL Draft, becoming the first player from St. Francis Xavier University to be chosen first overall in the draft. He played CIS football with the St. Francis Xavier X-Men.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
In the Canadian Football League’s Amateur Scouting Bureau final rankings, he was ranked as the best player for players eligible in the 2011 CFL Draft, and last by players in the CIS. On May 6, 2011, a Winnipeg Blue Bombers source leaked the Blue Bombers' intentions to select Muamba with the first overall pick in the 2011 CFL Draft. To no surprise, Muamba was indeed selected first overall by Winnipeg in the draft and was signed to his first professional contract on May 30, 2011.

After playing mostly special teams in his first year in the league, Muamba became a very significant part of the Bombers defense in 2012. He recorded 65 tackles and 3 sacks, adding another 20 tackles on special teams. Muamba built upon the strong 2012 season he had with an even better 2013 season. He set a new career high with 106 tackles (2nd most in the league), while also adding 1 quarterback sack, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery and 1 defensive touchdown. His outstanding 2013 campaign was recognized by the Blue Bombers as he was unanimously voted as the team's Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Canadian.

On February 5, 2014, Muamba was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to pursue an NFL contract.

Indianapolis Colts
On February 6, 2014, Muamba signed with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was waived on September 5, 2015.

Montreal Alouettes
On September 30, 2015, Muamba signed with the Montreal Alouettes nearing the end of the 2015 CFL season. Muamba played in 4 games for the Alouettes, contributing 14 tackles and 1 interception. On February 16, 2016, Muamba was released by the Alouettes to once again pursue his NFL interest.

Dallas Cowboys
Muamba signed with the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL on July 30, 2016. He was released by the Cowboys on the final 53-man cut down day September 2, 2016.

Saskatchewan Roughriders
On October 5, 2016, Muamba and the Saskatchewan Roughriders agreed to terms on a contract bringing him back to the CFL for the third time. In a partial season with the Riders Muamba contributed 18 tackles on defense, 9 on specials teams, with 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. In his second season in Saskatchewan Muamba played in 17 regular season games, amassing 82 defensive tackles, 11 tackles on special teams, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. Muamba was released by the Riders at the start of free agency, to avoid paying him an offseason bonus of $35,000 Canadian.

Montreal Alouettes (II)
On April 12, 2018 Muamba agreed to terms with the Montreal Alouettes with whom he had played during the 2015 CFL season. Muamba earned a career high in tackles with 108, a career high in sacks with 5, as well as one interception and one forced fumble. This standout season earned Muamba award nominations by the Alouettes for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player, Defensive Player, and Canadian Player. Muamba was also named to the CFL-East All-Star team.

Personal life
Muamba was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, but grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. He played college football for the St. Francis Xavier X-Men in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and is the school's all-time leader in tackles, with 149.5. His brother, Cauchy Muamba, is a defensive back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.