Rookie Watch: Steelers DL James Nyamwaya Is True Undrafted Underdog Story

Kenya, Born Nyamwaya Began College Career In DIII Football

Pittsburgh – Ex-Steelers great James Harrison spent two years on the team's practice squad, being released three times before he eventually became a Hall of Fame caliber player in Pittsburgh. No one knew then how Harrison’s career would unfold, and that remains the same for those undrafted rookies currently attending Organized Team Activities in the NFL.

One player in particular, James Nyamwaya, is the epitome of the term ‘underdog’ when weighing the odds of him making the team. Born in Kenya, Nyamwaya was playing division III football prior to his at Merrimack College, which landed him an audition with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I moved to the States when I was ten years old,” Nyamwaya said.

Kobe Bryant was his favorite athlete, and the sport of choice was European football, not the American version that Nyamwaya began playing as a freshman in high school. Prior to those first practices, this Andover, Massachusetts native was just a half decade adjusted to a new life and sport.

“Once I got to Merrimack, I got there a little bit early for spring ball and stuff,” Nyamwaya said. “I completed spring ball and did well. I talked to my coach, who also played in the league. He said I got the size and work ethic. So, just keep getting better, and you got a shot at making the league. So, I just worked as hard as I could that summer. Just kept working with my coaches, and the ability just sort of blossomed in front of me.”

During the three days of OTAs in Pittsburgh, Nyamwaya flashed athleticism. A hint of something extra in his step and fluidity in his movements serve as an indication he might be worth watching as the plot thickens in his quest to make it in the National Football League.

“Obviously, I'm huge,” Nyamwaya explained as the first reason an NFL team is going to show interest in him. “I’m 6’5 300. I think from the interior, I’m able to get sacks and stuff. That’s really what stood out on my tape. I had 5.5 sacks in 10 games last season, and I think they were impressed by that. My long arms for a defensive lineman, I’m sort of built for the defensive lineman they are looking for in the Steelers.”

With 34-inch arms, Nyamwaya passes the eyeball test. An All-NEC Second Team selection in 2022, Nyamwaya played ten games, finishing with 27 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Nyamwaya’s sack total (5.5) tied him for fourth in the NEC.

These infant phases of practices and players evolving over the course of the next several months coincide with spring. At the same time, the NFL launches their camps as all 32 teams embark on their quest to win the Lombardi Trophy. Rosters are expanded to accommodate the influx of rookies mixed in with veterans. It is where players like Harrison, who went undrafted out of Kent State in 2002, can begin establishing their roots.

The reason Nyamwaya has been noticeable at OTAs is his size in conjunction with his athletic skill set. His 35-inch vertical jump at his Warriors pro day topped anyone at the position from this year's NFL Combine. He recorded a 5.08 forty and a 4.65 shuttle. Once you hear those numbers, it sort of puts into perspective why Pittsburgh wanted to take a deeper look.

In these infant stages of the season, a player like Nyamwaya can be released tomorrow, never to resurface again on another roster. It’s a scary unknown being a small-school prospect with enough talent to get noticed.

After being on the practice squad for two years and being cut three times – Did anyone think James Harrison had talent?

Maybe, just maybe, this is another James with the talent to stick around in the NFL.