- Louis Rees-Zammit quit rugby exactly a year ago to pursue a career in NFL
- He is yet to play a single minute of competitive action in the sport
- The 23-year-old is weighing up his options after finding himself without a team
Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL contract with Jacksonville Jaguars has expired, leaving the former Wales rugby prodigy without a team.
Rees-Zammit sent shock waves through Welsh rugby last January when he decided to quit the sport to pursue a career in NFL.
But, a year on from that decision, he seems further away than ever from fulfilling his dream.
The 23-year-old signed for the Jaguars in August, joining their practice squad as a running back after being waived by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rees-Zammit had joined Kansas on a three-year deal after impressing on the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme but was released after failing to make the 53-man roster.
He was given a lifeline by Jaguars with their coach Doug Pedersen telling him that his ‘opportunity will come’ after being impressed by his athleticism.
Rees-Zammit signed for Jaguars in August, joining their practice squad as a running back
He had joined Kansas on a three-year deal but was released after failing to make the roster
The Welshman and Prince William represent the NFL in London in October
Sadly, that opportunity never did come for Rees-Zammit as he watched on from the sidelines as Jaguars failed to qualify for the play-offs after finishing second bottom of AFC South.
Pedersen – the man who gave the Welshman a second chance in the NFL – was sacked following a poor campaign and now Rees-Zammit also finds himself cut adrift.
Rees-Zammit remains determined to make it in NFL and so will now hope to sign a training contract with a franchise and have the chance to compete for a place on the main roster or practice squad.
His prospects with the Jaguars have not completely extinguished either.
The Florida franchise still have the option to offer him a deal befoe next season and WalesOnline reports that the Jaguars were impressed by him and may attempt to secure his services for their training camp.
Rees-Zammit burst onto the scene in 2021 when scored a spectacular try on his Six Nations debut for Wales as they defeated Ireland 21-16 in Cardiff.
He went on to score three more tries as Wayne Pivac’s side won the title.
