**Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL Journey: Fresh Training Footage Sparks Hope for Welsh Star Ahead of Key Jaguars Pre-Season**
New footage has surfaced detailing Louis Rees-Zammit’s efforts to secure a place in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ squad this upcoming NFL season, offering renewed interest in the Welshman’s remarkable transition from the rugby pitch to American football.
After spending several months in the UK – recharging and reconnecting with loved ones following his first year in the US – Rees-Zammit has returned to Jacksonville. He now faces a critical period as pre-season activities ramp up, representing a pivotal moment in his quest to break into the Jaguars’ active roster.
Earlier this week, the Jaguars published new training footage, sparking considerable chatter amongst fans and sporting commentators alike. In the video, the 23-year-old can be seen donning the number 89 shirt and making a confident catch from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, providing clear evidence of the progress he is making in adapting to the complexities of American football.
Rees-Zammit’s determination is evident. Not only was he present for the Jaguars’ voluntary workout sessions at the Miller Electric Centre in April, but he has also demonstrated an eagerness to immerse himself fully in the rigours of pre-season – a period widely regarded as a make-or-break time for NFL hopefuls. For a former British & Irish Lion, tackling new territory after his high-profile rugby career reflects a rare blend of ambition and resilience.
The Jaguars recently revealed their pre-season fixtures, offering Rees-Zammit and other emerging talents defined windows of opportunity to impress coaching staff. Supporters can expect to see two home games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins and another fixture with the New Orleans Saints, with all matches scheduled ahead of the NFL regular season’s September start.
These games now serve as crucial auditions for Rees-Zammit. Despite a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs last year – where he tasted genuine NFL action in pre-season contests – his journey has not been without setbacks. After joining the Jaguars’ practice squad, he found chances on the main roster elusive and ended the season in limbo as his team’s performance failed to meet expectations.
Although released briefly, the Welshman was re-signed by the Jaguars, albeit with a modified status – he now occupies a spot on the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme rather than the main roster. This development occurred just as Jacksonville brought in new undrafted talent, increasing internal competition for the limited receiver slots available.
Currently, more than 90 players are bidding for a place in the Jaguars’ 53-man matchday squad, with an additional 17 allowed on the practice squad. The IPP route, designed to bring international athletes into the NFL, gives Rees-Zammit a foothold within this challenging environment. Notably, the Jaguars recently released Australian athlete Patrick Murtagh, narrowing the contest for this coveted international place.
Analysts familiar with American football’s intricate structures, such as Phoebe Schecter, have highlighted that the IPP designation can be held for no more than two years. Consequently, if Rees-Zammit is offered the IPP slot again for the 2025 season, he will face even stiffer competition next year, as he will need to compete for inclusion like any other domestic player from 2026.
As Rees-Zammit continues his high-profile sporting experiment, fans on both sides of the Atlantic are watching closely. Whether he secures a long-term position within the NFL or not, his journey remains a compelling example of sporting reinvention and the relentless pursuit of new challenges amid a fiercely competitive landscape.
His ongoing progress will no doubt inspire dialogue about the potential for cross-code athletes in elite-level sports, even as questions remain about whether the bold move will ultimately deliver on its early promise.