The Edmonton Elks released defensive back Emmanuel Rugamba on Saturday.
Emmanuel Rugamba is five foot eleven and weighs 194 pounds. The 27-year-old from Zambia, signed with the Edmonton Elks on February 11, 2025. In 2025, he made one tackle, one tackle for loss, and two tackles on special teams in one preseason game. He played in two regular season games recording no stats.
The Cleveland Browns signed Rugamba as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. In 2021, he made three tackles (3 solos) in three preseason games. The Browns released him on August 31, 2021. The B.C. Lions signed Rugamba on January 21, 2022.
In 2022, he made 38 tackles, five tackles on special teams, one sack, and one interception in 11 games. In 2023, he made 58 tackles, four tackles on special teams, and two sacks in 17 games. He was named a CFL West All-Star after the season. In 2024, he made 73 tackles, one tackle on special teams, one sack, and one interception in 16 games.
Collegiately, Rugamba played two seasons at Iowa (2016-17) making 55 tackles (44 solos, 11 assists), half tackle for a loss, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups in 22 games for the Hawkeyes.
Then, he transferred to Miami (OH) (2019-20) making 96 tackles (65 solos, 31 assists), four tackles for loss, two interceptions for 62 yards, one touchdown, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, one blocked kick, and one punt return for 10 yards in 16 games for the Redhawks.
He was named a two-time Third Team All-MAC and was named the MAC Championship Defensive Player of the Game in 2019.
