Emmanuel Rugamba makes unprecedented journey from refugee camp to NFL
By Jean Damascene Hakuzimana
Born in a Zambian refugee camp to Rwandan refugees displaced by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Emmanuel Rugamba arrived in the U.S. at 2 years old, the youngest of 10 children. He was raised by a single mother. From these humble beginnings, he defied the odds, becoming the first Rwandan ever to sign an NFL contract with the Cleveland Browns. His story is not just about athletic achievement, but also about the profound impact of perseverance, community, and approaching life’s challenges with gratitude. In this exclusive interview with Amjambo Africa’s Jean Hakuzimana, Rugamba shared insights into his unusual background, his path to professional football, and his unwavering commitment to empowering underserved youth through Vision Forward, a nonprofit organization that he founded.
Jean Hakuzimana: Emmanuel, could you introduce yourself for those watching or reading about you? Who are you and where are you?
Emmanuel Rugamba: For anybody who doesn’t know – and I’m sure most people don’t know, because I don’t do too much out there – my name is Emmanuel Rugamba. I am a current professional athlete, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder. I have a very unconventional background. My journey started after the Rwandan genocide. My family immigrated to the United States when I was 2. I was born in a refugee camp in Zambia. Coming to the States, I was blessed to have a large family. My mother raised 10 of us on her own, and I was the youngest. She prioritized getting us involved, and I fell in love with football at 9e and have not stopped since. I got to play professional football, including Division 1 and the NFL, becoming the first Rwandan ever to sign an NFL contract. That changed my life and led me to help others, too.
JH: Your early years – born in a refugee camp and then moving to the United States – how did that shape your upbringing, your career, and who you are now?
ER: It meant everything to me. That experience gave me so much gratitude. Even on my worst days, I always remind myself that every single day I have here is profit. There were folks, even family, who were not as lucky. That sense of appreciation fuels me every day and pushes me to make the most out of every opportunity. It really shaped my perseverance, my identity – as an athlete, entrepreneur, friend, and brother. It’s a part of everything that is “Emmanuel Rugamba.”
JH : Does thinking about your early life ever weigh you down?
ER: It only really knocks me down if I feel like I’m not producing or taking advantage of the blessings I have. That is when I struggle. Otherwise, I see it as a blessing. I never think of it negatively. I believe God does things for a reason. My walk of life brought me here for a purpose. Gratitude and opportunity have defined how I see things. And that makes me want to work to make a better world, especially for those with similar backgrounds.
JH: Tell us more about your mother raising 10 children. How did your family make it through those challenges?
ER: Family was everything. With that many siblings, I never had to look for friends outside. Every personality you can imagine was under one roof. My mother had an incredible sense of leadership and resilience and expected us to help each other – if your brother needs your shirt, you give it to him, and vice versa. Looking back now, as an entrepreneur and athlete, I see how much her leadership impacted me. She kept us united, kept us out of fear, and set the example of what perseverance really looks like. People tell me, “You’ve done X, Y, Z.” I always say, “You should have seen what my mother did.” She’s the blueprint for my resilience.
JH : What about everyday life in a big family – any experiences that stand out?
ER: Growing up with 10 siblings, you learn to pour your glass of juice to the top because you don’t know if you’ll get more! Those small things shape you. If too many people are thirsty, that might be your last lemonade! But it’s about maximizing every opportunity, even if it’s just a drink. That mindset carries into how I live life – always maximizing my chances.
JH: How did you end up in football, specifically?
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ER: My mom wanted everyone in basketball, but only 10-year-olds could sign up at our rec center, and I was 9. But she noticed a sign for football, and signed me up for that instead. Football became my outlet – it helped me find myself as the youngest of 10. In a big family, you listen, respect elders, but through sports I found my identity. The more success I had, the more I loved the process, wanting to always get better.
JH: Tell us about your path to professional sports – how did you get your NFL opportunity?
ER: In American football, you’re evaluated by colleges and pro scouts pretty young. I had a good first year in college, was injured, transferred, and played well. Scouts track you from freshman year through graduation. Post-college, sports agents handle team communication. There is a two-day NFL draft. I was not picked on day one or two. But after the draft, I got a call from the Cleveland Browns. I was not expecting it. Suddenly, I saw the BBC and Rwandan media writing articles about me; people I did not know were messaging me from around the world. It was surreal and emotional, but life changing.
JH: What did you do when you received the news about joining the Browns?
ER: I was with my whole family at a draft party. When the phone rang, everybody went quiet. After I got off the phone, I told everyone: “I’m going to be a Cleveland Brown.” My mother was so happy – she was just extremely proud. Seeing her joy, after all she had carried, means everything to me. I used to tell her as a kid, “I’m going to play in the NFL.” Making it real for her was the biggest thing for me.
JH: Speaking to young immigrants – or “’new Americans” – who want to achieve what you did, are opportunities available for everyone? What should they be aware of?
ER: There’s always room for more opportunity, especially for people coming from tough situations. For me, I had to do a lot of seeking – training, recruiting support. Not many shared my journey, so it was sometimes lonesome to dream that big. That is part of what drives me now – creating more opportunities and programs for youth. Sports are not just about sports, but also about economic and social empowerment for underserved youth. Financial literacy and education are as crucial as anything you might miss in a basic education.
JH: For young people watching, eager to get into sports, what is the first step? Do they need to do 100 pushups a day?
ER: Sports are all about the one percent you do every day. The basics matter, whether you’re LeBron James or just starting out. But the most important thing is to get involved in the community. Building those relationships through sports will give you opportunities in athletics and in life. For anyone new to a country or community, find the community where your sport is played. That’s crucial; I didn’t do it on my own. Community got me here.
JH: Do you currently mentor or coach youth looking to make it in sports?
ER: Yes, through my nonprofit Vision Forward, we focus on social and economic empowerment of underserved youth. We run workshops and community events where young people can experience sports, and connect with educators, entrepreneurs, and athletes that share their stories, on and off the field. We want youth to see that being an athlete is not your only identity. We build their mental skills for life and performance – if you think you are only valuable on the field, it can be fragile. We teach them to let go, play freely, and not carry life’s misses onto the next play.
JH: What are your goals for Vision Forward over the next few years?
ER: We’ve set clear targets: mentor 5,000 youth by year three, facilitate over 50 scholarships, run 10 annual workshops bringing in athletes and entrepreneurs, host 10 career days, and, crucially, track growth in confidence, leadership, and financial literacy. Our aim is to make an impact not just for one generation, but to raise the floor for every group that comes after.
JH: Can you talk about the partnership between Rwanda and the NFL, and how it motivates you?
ER: Yes, it is very exciting to see Rwanda connecting with the NFL. It is a joy and another motivation to pursue my dreams and help more community members. Having friends in the NFL and on my nonprofit’s advisory board, like Alaric Jackson, helps us work together to create initiatives that give back and empower youth both socially and economically. [Alaric Jackson is a left tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, #77.]
JH: Is it profitable to be a professional athlete?
ER: Yes, being a pro athlete is profitable. In the last five years, I have been able to take care of my family and myself and secure my future. It has made many of my childhood dreams possible.
JH: What about the risks and challenges, such as injuries and concussions?
ER: There are definitely risks, and I have been scared for my health at times. However, the game has become much safer thanks to coaches and measures taken by the league. Using proper technique and safety protocols helps.
JH: Are you transitioning away from football now that you are involved in nonprofit management?
ER: Currently, I am a free agent and open to continuing my football career – I am only 27. However, I am also focused on keynote speaking, running a holding company [LRT Holdings], and managing a nonprofit. I have a great team and a co-founder [of both LRT Holdings and Vision Forward], Joseph Thomas, so I can pursue multiple things at once.
JH: For youth facing challenges like substance use, what advice do you have?
ER: You cannot burn the candle at both ends. Surround yourself with good people and a strong community. If you struggle, reach out for help. This is important for youth and everyone else too.
JH: What is the Resilience Tour?
ER: On the Resilience Tour, I will share my story and supply others with tools for resilience. I have spoken at over 120 schools about inclusion, diversity, community, and doing the right thing. The tour aims to impact people with real life experiences, and I am booking events for 2025 and 2026. People can reach out at [email protected].
JH: Is there anything you want to add before we wrap up?
ER: I want to thank you for this opportunity, for all the support for my initiatives, and also to thank my co-founder Joseph Thomas. I look forward to making change through LRT Holdings and Vision Ford Foundation.
