The Conversation | Boye Mafe Says He’s ‘Just A Guy,’ But He’s A Lot More Than That

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe spoke with senior writer Geoff Hobson about viewing himself as "just a guy" despite emerging as a defensive leader. In his first season with the Bengals after joining in free agency, Mafe reflected on his Nigerian heritage, his late mother's enduring influence, and his commitment to team success over personal statistics.

Ahead of a Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Mafe discussed the importance of setting the edge against Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. He also addressed stepping into a defensive role previously held by Trey Hendrickson, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on playing team-first football and continuously developing his game.