Wisconsin Football Defensive Captain Bids Farewell to the Program

The Wisconsin football team’s defensive captain, Maema Njongmeta, has bid farewell to the Badgers, deciding to pass up his extra year of eligibility in hopes of pursuing his dreams in the NFL.

BadgerNotes initially reported that Njongmeta would be forgoing his final season in Madison with the Wisconsin Badgers. Later, he confirmed it on social media when he said his official goodbye. 

“They say it takes a village to raise a child,” Njongmeta wrote. “In the time I’ve been in Madison, I’ve gone from a boy to a man. Thank you to the village behind me, the countless people behind the scenes that have made this dream a reality. 

“With that being said, my time as a Badger has come to an end. I will be entering my name into the 2024 NFL Draft. I’m here to prove that dreams do come true. All praise to the most high.”

Excited to announce I will be representing Wisconsin’s standout linebacker Maema Njongmeta @the_maema for this year’s NFL Draft! pic.twitter.com/JDmm2FZCTf

— Kevin Gold (@longsnapcom) January 4, 2024

Wisconsin Football LB Maema Njongmeta Declares for the NFL Draft

Maema Njongmeta didn’t have a standout season for the Wisconsin football defense like many anticipated, coming off a breakout redshirt junior season.

But the Illinois native has put enough good things on tape to try to impress a team in the draft process.

Njongmeta finished 59 tackles, 23 pressures, 8.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and a pass deflection in his final season playing in Mike Tressel’s defensive scheme.

He’ll join Wisconsin football players like Braelon Allen, Tanor Bortolini, and several others to enter their names into the NFL Draft.

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