**Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL Venture Ends Amid Expert Criticism, Welsh Star Heads Back to Rugby**
Louis Rees-Zammit’s high-profile foray into American football has come to an abrupt close, as the 24-year-old Welshman announces his return to rugby after an 18-month stint in the United States failed to bear fruit. The former Gloucester wing, once touted as one of rugby’s most electrifying talents, decided in early 2024 to leave rugby behind and test his mettle in the NFL—a decision that garnered widespread attention both at home and across the Atlantic.
The transition was made possible through the NFL International Player Pathway Programme, which provides athletes from outside the United States an opportunity to break into the league. Rees-Zammit’s journey saw him briefly sign with the Kansas City Chiefs before securing a place on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. Despite the initial optimism and the media spotlight that followed his every move, Rees-Zammit failed to make an appearance in an NFL game, and the vast learning curve of American football ultimately proved insurmountable.
As the news of his return to rugby surfaced, it did not take long for American sports media to weigh in. On talkSPORT, senior US reporter Brian Smith dismissed Rees-Zammit’s NFL aspirations as ultimately “a waste of time,” questioning whether the dynamic back was truly invested in the challenge. “It never made sense to me,” Smith bluntly stated, suggesting that the attempt felt more like a media event than a genuine pursuit of an NFL career.
Smith’s criticism intensified as he compared Rees-Zammit’s trajectory to other cross-over athletes such as Christian Wade, who found a measure of success in American football. Highlighting Rees-Zammit’s lack of match action and struggles with positional switches, Smith concluded, “He never played, never got in a real game. Changing positions only made it more complicated. To me, he was never fully committed and the NFL didn’t have a place for him.”
The challenges confronting athletes who attempt to switch codes and sports at a professional level are significant. The workload, the sophistication of the NFL playbook, and the unwavering dedication required—all pose considerable barriers. “For him to end it this early, after just 18 months and without ever stepping onto the NFL field, says a lot about how tough the transition really is,” Smith remarked.
Ben Isaacs, an NFL broadcaster and journalist, echoed these sentiments. He noted that positive reports rarely surfaced from the Jaguars’ training camp regarding Rees-Zammit, apart from stories about a possible back injury. “Usually with players on the bubble, the coverage is glowing, but in his case, there was just silence,” Isaacs observed. The timing of Rees-Zammit’s decision to return to rugby—rather than waiting until after the NFL pre-season—surprised Isaacs, indicating that the Welshman may have realised his chances of making the main roster were slim.
Appearance-wise, Isaacs noted that Rees-Zammit never quite resembled an NFL player during training and pre-season action. “He didn’t look comfortable, his movements seemed restricted, and—most surprisingly—he appeared slow,” Isaacs told WalesOnline. “His lack of that signature burst and explosiveness was a stark contrast to the player we’re used to seeing tearing up rugby pitches in Europe and for Wales.”
The case of Rees-Zammit serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges athletes face when changing codes at the highest levels. The expectation that raw athleticism or star status in one sport will easily transfer to another—particularly between rugby and American football—seems increasingly optimistic with each unsuccessful attempt.
Despite the public scrutiny and critical commentary, Rees-Zammit leaves America with no public regrets, describing the experience as worthwhile, even if not successful in the traditional sense. As for his next steps, Rees-Zammit has hinted at impending “big news” regarding his rugby future, leaving fans eager to see which team will benefit from his return. For now, however, his American adventure has ended, and he is poised to once again light up the rugby world—a poignant reminder that sometimes, the best route is the one that leads back home.