Louis Rees-Zammit Opens Up on Tough Transition from Rugby Union to NFL
High-profile code-hopper Louis Rees-Zammit recently shared his challenges in transitioning from rugby union to American football. After a successful stint in the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program, the former Wales and Gloucester winger has been navigating the competitive world of the NFL.
In January, it was announced that Rees-Zammit was joining the IPP, an initiative designed to give elite athletes from around the globe the chance to secure an NFL roster spot and increase the number of international players in the league. After impressing during his time in the program, he joined the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in March on a three-year contract. However, despite his efforts, he did not make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. In August, the Jacksonville Jaguars picked him up for their practice squad.
A New Position for a New Team
Since joining the Jaguars, the 23-year-old has transitioned from playing running back to wide receiver. Now based in Florida, he has embraced the challenge of adapting to a new position while learning the intricacies of a completely different sport.
The Jaguars are set to play the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, marking Rees-Zammit’s return to the UK. Reflecting on his journey so far, he acknowledged the obstacles he has faced.
“I mean, it’s unbelievable to come back here finally,” he told reporters at a press conference. “I’ve been in America for pretty much nine out of the ten months of this year.”
“It’s great to come back, see all the Jags fans and just how loyal they are because there’s a lot of them out in the UK.”
“So us players love coming out here and being able to play in front of them and see that support that they’ve given us. Yes, it’s been great. The transition from the very start was tough.”
“You know, completely diving into a different sport is obviously not an easy task to do. But this is what I wanted and I’m chasing this dream of mine.”
“So I’m going to try and do it with the excitement that I bring to training every single day.”
A New Dream
When asked about his experience pursuing an NFL career compared to rugby, Rees-Zammit explained that the two sports are worlds apart but both equally important to him.
“I mean, it’s two different things. You know, now I’m here, I get to work hard and train all the skills that’s needed for me to be in a team.”
“Being a rugby player and wanting to play in the NFL, I knew that I had to do a lot in rugby to be able to get the opportunity to do this.”
“So, you know, when I was playing rugby, my full focus was on rugby. But in the back of my head, I knew that this was a massive dream of mine. And one that I wanted to chase.”
“And now we’re here today. I’m on the Jacksonville Jaguars and I’m loving every single moment of it.”
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