Loganville's Rising Star Phil Mafah Makes Historic NFL Debut with First Touchdown

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Loganville’s Phil Mafah Scores First NFL Touchdown in Pro Debut

Former Grayson High School and Clemson standout reaches NFL milestone in emotional pro debut with the Dallas Cowboys

Loganville News and Events

Jan 8, 2026

Loganville has another reason to celebrate as hometown standout Phil Mafah officially reached the NFL end zone for the first time.

The former Grayson High School and Clemson running back scored his first career NFL touchdown Sunday while making his professional debut for the Dallas Cowboys. Mafah’s milestone moment came in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, when he powered in on a one-yard run just three seconds into the period.

The touchdown trimmed Dallas’ deficit to 24–17, marking a bright personal highlight despite the Cowboys’ 34–17 loss.

Sunday’s game was especially meaningful for Mafah, who had been sidelined since August with a shoulder injury and was activated from injured reserve earlier in the week. Selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 239 overall), the rookie wasted no time making an impact once healthy.

Mafah finished his debut with five carries for 18 yards and the score. He had also shown promise during the preseason, rushing for 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Before reaching the NFL, Mafah built an impressive résumé at Clemson University, where he developed a reputation as a punishing, workhorse back. In 2024, he earned third-team All-ACC honors after rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns despite battling the same shoulder injury throughout the season. That performance marked the 24th 1,000-yard rushing season in Clemson history and ranked 14th all-time for a single season at the school.

A former four-star recruit from Grayson High School, Mafah concluded his Clemson career ranked ninth in school history in rushing yards (2,887) and tied for 10th in rushing touchdowns (28), adding 58 receptions for 309 yards over four seasons.

Now healthy and on the NFL stage, Mafah’s first touchdown represents more than just a stat—it’s the culmination of perseverance and a proud moment for Loganville football fans watching one of their own succeed at the highest level.