Louis Rees-Zammit: Christian Wade backs former rugby star to achieve NFL dream after Kansas City Chiefs setback
Published 28/08/2024 at 19:18 GMT+1
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Gloucester wing Christian Wade says Louise Rees-Zammit's dream of playing in the NFL is still alive, after the former rugby union star was left out of the Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man squad for the 2024 season. Rees-Zammit quit rugby in January to pursue a career in the NFL, and has been training with the Chiefs during the off-season.
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Gloucester wing Christian Wade says the door is not closed on Louis Rees-Zammit's NFL dream after the former rugby union star was left out of the Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man squad for the 2024 season.
Rees-Zammit quit rugby in January to pursue a career in the NFL and has been training with the Chiefs during the off-season.
The 23-year-old had played in all three of the reigning Super Bowl champions' pre-season games, but failed to make the final selection on 'cutdown day', when teams must reduce their 90-strong training squad to just 53.
But while his omission from the squad appears a major setback, others who have tried to make the move to the NFL insist Rees-Zammit's dreams are still alive.
Wade also attempted to break into the NFL in 2018, spending three seasons as a running back with the Buffalo Bills before he returned to rugby after being released.
He said that the way sport worked in the United States was "completely different", and insisted Rees-Zammit could still fulfil his dreams.
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"Just to be in the NFL and be able to represent the badge is the goal. For him to do that is success in itself," Wade said.
Rees-Zammit is expected to continue training with the Chiefs as part of their practice squad, and could be signed by other teams in the meantime.
The Chiefs can also promote Rees-Zammit to their main roster up to three times this season, and NFL teams can also promote two players from their practice squad each game, leaving the Welshman with plenty of chances to play.
"Now it is up to him to try and put himself in a position to be able to contribute as much as possible," added Wade.
"Contributing, whether it is just being in the building, giving good reps in practice, getting game-time, making good plays.
"That is all everyone is trying to do, get to the league and, once they get there, just try to survive. That is what it is."
Rees-Zammit himself called the NFL a 'cut-throat' business ahead of squad selection, and admitted he'd have to improve to compete.
"I'm not going to be the best player in the world overnight, so I've got to be patient," he said.
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