The Washington Commanders added to their roster on Thursday, signing defensive end T.J. Maguranyanga.
We have signed DE T.J. Maguranyanga pic.twitter.com/TCWqpU9Lsu
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 3, 2025
A Zimbabwean rugby player, Maguranyanga will line up as defensive end for the Commanders and will serve as the team's Internation Pathway Program Player in 2025.
The Commanders announce the signing of DE T.J. Maguranyanga
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 3, 2025
Who is DE T.J. Maguranyanga? Per Wikipedia, TJ Maguranyanga is a 22-year-old Zimbabwean professional rugby player.
He will be Washington’s international pathway program player.
Maguranyanga played rugby for most of his life, representing Zimbabwe at a South African competition as part of their under-13 team. He played professionally from 2020-2024 before becoming an IPP player in December 2024.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 222 pounds, the 22-year-old rugby player already has a major intangible you can't teach in the NFL: Toughness. You aren't a competitive rugby player without some serious toughness, and that toughness will easily translate to the NFL field. He's also familiar with the ball shape, although the size is slightly different, and he's not afraid to be physical.
The Commanders really need an edge rusher, and with his size and youth, you have to wonder if the Commanders think that Maguranyanga can be developed into that. Even if not, he's a big body to put on the line, and as a guy who's used to pushing through a scrum, he's going to be tough to block.
Adam Peters continues to make moves and bolster the Commanders' depth. The 2025 NFL draft is just a few weeks away, and with only five picks this year, Peters is doing what he can to make sure this team is ready come September.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders sign T.J. Maguranyanga, a Zimbabwean rugby player
