Former NFL Player Richie Mo'unga Makes Surprise Career Shift
Former NFL Player Richie Mounga Makes Surprise Career Shift...
Former NFL linebacker Richie Mo'unga is trending today after announcing an unexpected career move into professional rugby. The 29-year-old, who last played for the New York Jets in 2024, signed with Major League Rugby's New England Free Jacks earlier this week.
Mo'unga's transition is making waves because he's one of the few American football players to switch codes at this level. The Tongan-American athlete revealed his decision in an Instagram post Tuesday, calling it "a return to my roots." He played rugby union as a teenager before focusing on football.
The news comes as rugby gains popularity in the U.S., with MLR expanding to 14 teams for the 2026 season. Mo'unga's signing could boost interest in the league, particularly among NFL fans curious about his adaptation to the 15-a-side game.
Sports analysts note Mo'unga's physicality and tackling ability should translate well to rugby. However, they question how quickly he'll adjust to the sport's continuous play and specialized positions. The Free Jacks plan to deploy him as a flanker when he debuts next month.
Mo'unga played 23 NFL games across three seasons with the Jets and Miami Dolphins. His football career was hampered by injuries, including a torn ACL that sidelined him for the 2025 season. The Free Jacks confirmed he passed rigorous medical evaluations before signing.
The athlete's story resonates with Polynesian communities in the U.S., where rugby remains culturally significant. Several Pacific Islander NFL players, including former Seahawks linebacker Manti Te'o, publicly supported Mo'unga's decision on social media.
MLR officials hope Mo'unga's profile will attract new viewers as the league negotiates its next TV rights deal. The Free Jacks' next home game on May 10 against the Seattle Seawolves is already sold out, with many fans citing Mo'unga as their reason for attending.
Mo'unga will begin training with the Free Jacks next week. His debut could come as early as May 17 when New England faces the Chicago Hounds. The match will air nationally on FS1, marking one of MLR's highest-profile broadcasts this season.
