Former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has secured a second chance in the NFL after agreeing to join the Jacksonville Jaguars, just two days after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Welshman will join the Jaguars’ practice squad as a wide receiver, a new position for him after previously playing as a running back for the Chiefs.
Rees-Zammit, who is believed to have signed a one-year contract, took to Instagram to express his excitement, saying “So happy to be here… Thanks for the opportunity. It’s go time.” He also appeared to reference his new position with a humorous emoji.
Louis Rees-Zammit has agreed a one-year contract with NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars
The former Wales rugby star joined his new team for practice on Thursday afternoon
Rees-Zammit shared his excitement at finding a new team on his Instagram account
Rees-Zammit was pictured in practice on Thursday, wearing the No 84 jersey. A back issue had hindered him during his time with the Chiefs.
The Jaguars already have a crowded running back room, with players like Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, D’Ernest Johnson, and Keilan Robinson on the roster. Robinson is currently listed on injured reserve.
In three preseason games with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit managed six carries for a total of 22 yards and one catch for three yards.
His best performance was in a 34-21 loss to the Chicago Bears, where he rushed four times for 21 total yards.
However, it wasn’t enough to convince Andy Reid of his place on the team.
Rees-Zammit’s family was in Kansas City to support him during preseason training camp with the Super Bowl champions.
The 23-year-old Welshman always faced an uphill task to make the team in his rookie season.
The 23-year-old Welshman was released by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this week
Though Rees-Zammit has long dreamed of a career in the NFL, he had never played a game before joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway in January.
He was put through a 10-week boot camp before impressing scouts at a ‘pro day’. Rees-Zammit received interest from nearly half of the 32 teams in the NFL.
The Jaguars, who missed out on the playoffs last year, start the NFL season against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Florida.
Share or comment on this article:
