From Zimbabwe to the Rams: Nate Landman’s unlikely NFL journey
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman has taken an unlikely path to the NFL - from his childhood in Zimbabwe to becoming a defensive leader in L.A.
Nate Landman is living in Los Angeles, California and playing as a defensive linebacker for the Rams in the NFL. But his roots are in Zimbabwe. And he said people “don’t believe me” when he tells them he’s from Africa. He and Cady Heron would definitely bond.
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Nate Landman keeps his Zimbabwean heritage alive in the NFL
Landman was born and grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe. His father, Shaun, is from South Africa, and played international rugby in Zimbabwe during Landman’s childhood. Nate was just three years old when Shaun was offered a job in Danville, California.
The family moved to L.A., but Landman proudly keeps his heritage alive through tattoos, family traditions, and even the Zimbabwe flag on his helmet. For him, these are ways to stay close to his roots, but they also serve as a sort of proof that he really is from Zimbabwe.
“I’ll show them I’m covered in African tattoos, and some will say I’m still lying until they look it up or someone will vouch for me,” said Landman.
His parents also like to keep the Zimbabwe culture alive in their home, mostly through food, but also through decorations. Both Landman’s father and mother were competitive athletes, so it’s no surprise that he ended up being one as well. In high school, he played rugby like his father, as well as baseball. But football ended up becoming his big passion.
He played as a defensive linebacker at the University of Colorado for five years, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2019 and 2020 and a second-team selection in 2021.
.@_Nate_Landman tackling + stuffing the run. 💥
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 21, 2025
More highlights on https://t.co/m9oFPQ0GVI 🎥 pic.twitter.com/r1sq1lSYNG
After going undrafted in 2022, Landman battled his way into a starting role with the Atlanta Falcons before signing with the Rams this offseason. For Landman, his journey is about more than football. It’s about honoring his identity while proving himself in the league. In 2025, Landman is the only active NFL player with Zimbabwe roots.
“It was about setting a goal, reaching it, and then setting another goal,” he said. “Becoming a starter in this league is something I’m super proud of. It’s something everyone’s striving to do. It’s especially not easy for undrafted guys.”
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