**Louis Rees-Zammit Embraces Sunshine and NFL Challenge in Florida Pre-Season**
Welsh sportsman Louis Rees-Zammit appears to be living the American dream as he embarks on a fresh chapter with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Having made the daring leap from rugby union to the NFL, the 23-year-old wing has returned to the United States after spending quality time with friends and family in the UK, looking to make a mark in America’s most popular sport. Since setting foot back in Florida, Rees-Zammit has not only been dedicating himself to the rigorous pre-season training but also savouring life in the Sunshine State, sharing snippets of his off-field adventures with followers online.
A recent social media post highlighted his zest for life and quick reactions, with Rees-Zammit captured water-skiing under the Florida sun. In a playful video that quickly gained traction, a friend tosses him a can of cocktail while speeding across the water. Demonstrating his famed hand-eye coordination, which previously lit up rugby pitches, the former international seizes the drink mid-air, takes an impressive swig, and slaloms on undeterred—at least until a not-so-graceful crash moments later. The scene was quintessentially Floridian fun, blending sport and leisure in equal measure.
Amongst the group enjoying the day were faces familiar and new. His brother Taylor accompanied him, alongside Patrick Murtagh, a fellow International Player Pathway alumnus, and Travis Clayton, British-born offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. The camaraderie stretches beyond football, as their shared journey from Europe to NFL stardom continues to develop. Notably, Rees-Zammit’s new relationship with social influencer Drew Knotts has also drawn attention, with Knotts sharing photos of the group relaxing on a boat in New Smyrna Beach—a picturesque setting just south of Daytona Beach. The two were seen sipping on ‘Surfside’ cocktails, a light-hearted moment symbolising new beginnings both personally and professionally.
However, off-field frolics are only part of the story. Back on the training ground, Rees-Zammit is reportedly giving his all as the Jaguars ramp up preparations at their Miller Electric Center facility. Recent footage confirms the Welshman has been catching passes from star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a sign he is very much in the mix as the Jaguars’ off-season unfolds. After joining this spring’s voluntary workouts, Rees-Zammit continues to make his commitment clear, keen to prove that he can bridge the gap between his rugby pedigree and NFL-level agility.
The upcoming NFL pre-season represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The Jaguars recently announced their summer fixtures—three crucial games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins will give Rees-Zammit a real platform to stake his claim in competitive action. For context, his previous stint with the Kansas City Chiefs provided valuable exposure, but with no regular season appearance, the stakes are now higher than ever.
Despite setbacks, there has been steady progress. Following his release from Kansas City, Rees-Zammit joined the Jaguars’ practice squad last campaign, where he remained as the season ended. Although a brief release followed, his return to the active roster suggested brighter prospects. Yet, with the Jaguars assigning him International Player Pathway (IPP) status in April, fresh hurdles emerged. This designation, while giving international athletes a foot in the NFL door, comes with restrictions, including limited eligibility and fewer opportunities to move onto the main roster.
Competition within the Jaguars’ ranks remains fierce, especially as the team recently signed two undrafted wide receivers—the very position Rees-Zammit is working to master. With nearly 90 players in camp and only 53 active roster spots up for grabs, the next few months are critical. Only one practice squad position is set aside for an IPP player, a role previously contested with Patrick Murtagh, who was released last week—potentially clearing a path for Rees-Zammit, at least in the short term.
Pundits and insiders, like ex-NFL player Phoebe Schecter, have pointed out that the IPP designation lasts a maximum of two seasons. For Rees-Zammit, the clock is ticking—should he not make the jump beyond the international slot by the end of next season, future NFL involvement would require him to compete directly against American players for a regular roster place. The transition is a testament, perhaps, to both the opportunity and relentless competitiveness of professional American football.
For now, Louis Rees-Zammit’s ambitions are undimmed. The charismatic Welshman remains undaunted by the unique obstacles facing European imports and seems intent on relishing every minute, whether it’s catching passes on the training ground or making a splash—sometimes quite literally—off it. As the pre-season wears on, all eyes will be on whether the former rugby star can turn his American dream into a lasting NFL reality.