**Louis Rees-Zammit’s Status Altered in Overnight Move by Jacksonville Jaguars**
Louis Rees-Zammit, the former Welsh rugby union sensation who switched codes to pursue a career in the NFL, has seen his professional status with the Jacksonville Jaguars shift in an overnight development. The announcement comes just months after he renewed his commitment to American football by signing a fresh deal with the Florida-based franchise.
Rees-Zammit first made headlines in NFL circles last year, when he was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs after shining in the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme. This initiative offers talents from around the world a unique opportunity to break into professional American football, a sport historically dominated by North American athletes. Despite showing promise, Rees-Zammit was released by the Chiefs and promptly secured a place on the Jaguars’ practice squad in August, following a position change from running back to wide receiver.
His debut NFL campaign saw Rees-Zammit remain on the Jaguars’ practice squad for the duration of the 2024 season, where he continued to hone his understanding of American football’s intricacies following a high-profile rugby career with Wales. At the conclusion of that season, uncertainty loomed regarding his future as his contract was not immediately renewed, casting brief doubt over his NFL prospects.
However, the Jaguars soon offered Rees-Zammit a new deal, inviting him onto their extensive pre-season active roster—a list that can reach close to 100 athletes as pre-season preparations begin. At that point, it appeared he would compete for limited squad spots as the new season approached, a challenging task given the depth of competition in every NFL team.
In a new statement released overnight, the Jacksonville Jaguars clarified that Rees-Zammit’s status has shifted “from Active to Exempt/International Player.” The update coincides with the franchise’s confirmation that two new undrafted wide receivers—Darius Lassiter and Dorian Singer—have joined the roster, adding further competition in Rees-Zammit’s position.
According to current NFL rules pertaining to the IPP, teams are afforded one additional practice squad slot specifically for international players, bringing the number up to 17 for clubs utilising this exemption. Players occupying this spot, such as Rees-Zammit, are safeguarded from being signed by rival franchises while they remain on the practice squad. Furthermore, these international players can be promoted to their team’s active roster up to three times over a given season, presenting real opportunities for game-time should the coaching staff elect to use them.
It should be noted, however, that this international exemption only applies during the pre-season and off-season period. Once the regular NFL season kicks off and rosters are whittled down to 53 players, the exemption no longer applies, meaning Rees-Zammit will need to cement his place to make the most of his chance.
The decision to move Rees-Zammit into the international exemption spot suggests the Jaguars’ coaching staff value his potential, securing his services through the next pre-season and protecting him from poaching by other teams. Alternatively, it may indicate a focus on ongoing evaluation as the team assesses which players will feature in the final 53-man squad.
Reflecting on his NFL journey so far, Rees-Zammit has been steadfast in his determination, stating publicly that he has no intention of returning to rugby in the near future. Speaking to TalkSPORT, he reaffirmed, “No, I didn’t give [rugby] up just to leave it after a year,” citing his desire to refresh mentally and physically after a busy period post-Rugby World Cup, and expressing gratitude to the Jaguars for persisting with him.
In a separate interview with BBC Sport Wales, he elaborated, “I’ve never thought about going back to rugby. It hasn’t been in my head that I’m not going to do this. I’ve always wanted this.” For Rees-Zammit, the focus is clear—even as his playing status fluctuates, his ambition to make an indelible mark in the NFL remains undimmed.
As the Jaguars’ pre-season roster continues to take shape, all eyes will be on Louis Rees-Zammit to see if his hard work and adaptability will earn him a coveted spot in the active squad when the regular season begins.