Jacksonville: Louis Rees-Zammit Faces Deadline in NFL Journey

The city of Jacksonville is buzzing with anticipation surrounding Welsh rugby sensation Louis Rees-Zammit, who is making a notable attempt to transition into the NFL. The 24-year-old athlete joined the Kansas City Chiefs in spring 2024, later moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, his journey in the NFL has not been smooth sailing, as he has yet to play in an official NFL game.

Rees-Zammit is aware that international players usually get a window of about two to three years to prove themselves in the NFL. In a recent interview, he expressed that he is giving himself a deadline of sorts to decide his future in football before potentially returning to rugby. “I wanted to do it at a time where I maybe could come back to rugby,” he shared.

Previously, Rees-Zammit left his mark on the rugby world, representing Wales and contributing to their Six Nations victory in 2021. Reflecting on his transition to American football, he said, “I’m 24 now, probably got one to two more years to try and make it depending on how this year goes.” His performance last year saw him participate in three preseason games with Kansas City, where he caught one pass for three yards.

After being cut by the Chiefs, he was picked up by the Jaguars and currently holds a roster exemption due to his International Player Pathway status. As Rees-Zammit eyes the upcoming summer, it appears this period will be crucial for his NFL ambitions. He is hopeful that the skills he has gained in the NFL will serve him well if he decides to return to rugby.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars have their fingers crossed as they welcome Rees-Zammit, who remains focused on proving his worth in a competitive sports environment. The coming months will be pivotal as he aims to make his mark and carve out a spot on the roster.