LONDON, UK — Through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, several athletes from diverse countries and sports gain the opportunity to try and become professional football players. Over time, we've seen many successful two-sport athletes—particularly those coming from baseball. However, if there’s one international sport whose skill set translates well to the NFL, it’s rugby.
Lucky for Louis Rees-Zammit, a rugby star from the United Kingdom, his past is paving the way for him to live out his childhood dream.
“It’s very challenging. I can feel that. But at the same time, this is my dream, so I’m very determined to make this dream a reality,” he said.
Rees-Zammit’s passion for football began at a young age, largely influenced by his father.
“My dad brought me up to watch as many games as I could. That was his first love of sport—American football. He brought me up the same way, and now I get to train for it and play it,” he shared.
Jacksonville isn’t Rees-Zammit’s first stop on his NFL journey. He initially joined the Kansas City Chiefs this summer as a running back but was released in August. However, after Jaguars international pathway player Patrick Murtaugh broke his ankle during training camp, Rees-Zammit found a new opportunity as a wide receiver.
“I’m much better off playing receiver with my size and strength. That’s probably a position that suits me a lot more. I think it was a good experiment to try running back with the Chiefs, but I think we all realized I’d probably be a receiver eventually,” he said.
While living out his dream, Rees-Zammit has found the transition back and forth across the Atlantic a bit surreal.
“Not many people realize what I’m actually doing back home. Friends are on with their jobs, and I’m on mine. So, it’s interesting,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Rees-Zammit draws strength from his family, who have supported him every step of the way.
“I think my family are most proud of me. They came out to Kansas City, and now they’re coming out to Jacksonville to live. So, that just goes to show how tight my family is, and I’m trying to make them as proud as much as I can,” he said.
Rees-Zammit is also eager to return to London to reconnect with friends and family. However, he isn’t expecting much fanfare, knowing that his NFL pursuit sets him apart from his previous rugby career.
For now, Rees-Zammit is still working to secure a permanent spot on a 53-man NFL roster, as he continues his journey on the Jaguars’ practice squad.