Welcome to Episode 29 of the Gent’s Talk podcast, where we sat down with Grey Cup MVP Henoc Muamba! Also crowned the Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian, Henoc is only the second player in history to earn both awards. During our conversation with the Grey Cup Champion, we discussed the strength in vulnerability, retirement, NFL vs CFL, and the display of emotions in sports.
Grey Cup Champion!
The 109th Grey Cup took place in November 2022. The Henoc-led Toronto Argonauts squared off against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the team that drafted Muamba 1st overall in the 2011 draft. Although a clutch 4th quarter interception (by Henoc) helped seal the win for the Argonauts, his emotional post-game press conference pulled on viewers’ heartstrings across the country.
The win was Henoc’s first-ever championship in football (not just the CFL), which amplified his overwhelmed emotions. He taught us that he connected with viewers via the amygdala, the brain region primarily associated with emotional processes. In regards to perseverance, even with a couple of unsuccessful stints in the NFL, Henoc Muamba credits his ability to work through terrible news by highlighting the positives of the alternatives. Henoc is proof that if you have the right mindset, it doesn’t matter what the goal is; you’re going to achieve it. Regardless of the setbacks.
ADVERTISEMENT  |
“Make The Rest Of It, The Best Of It.”
“I wear my emotions on my sleeve,” Henoc explained, “when you’re hiding emotions, you’re not getting to the root of a lot of situations.” He believes expressing emotions is essential because you see yourself differently, allowing you to dive deeper into who you are. As an advocate for vulnerability, he’s firmly against the notion that If you cry, especially as a black man, you are weak. So many people feel they have to hide their emotions, but Henoc agrees that it is unhealthy.
“Write [down] the things that are true about you, even if you don’t believe it right now.”
Henoc Muamba on goals and setting intentions
Nearing the end of his career, Henoc has progressed from 1st round pick to a “grandfather” in the game. With respect to retiring, he has few qualms about life post-football. Many have difficulty at this stage in their career, and he hopes more athletes can transition out of the game confidently. This a gentle reminder that there’s so much more life after sports. He continuously reminds students of the game that they must be intentional about what they want to get out of football and that comparison is the thief of joy.
See Also: Gent’s Talk: Ep 28 – A Sit-Down w/ Dan Dearing
ADVERTISEMENT |
Please tune into Episode 29! Henoc Muamba also talks about speaking things into existence, and listen as he explains the “Greatest Gap in Sports.”
About Gent’s Talk
Gent’s Talk is available for streaming on Youtube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple and Google Podcasts! Episode 29 of Gent’s Talk is presented by Bulova Canada, and supported by Ride Rude. It is filmed at StartWell Studios in Toronto. You can now catch all of Season 1 on all Air Canada flights! Your continued support throughout this journey is appreciated. Thank you!
