Former Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit is facing a poignant moment as he mourns the passing of his grandmother, June, while he undergoes rigorous training in the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme’s 10-week camp in Florida. The former Gloucester wing made headlines recently by stepping away from rugby to pursue a career in American football, with his fate on an NFL roster to be determined in the coming weeks.
Sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, Rees-Zammit posted a poignant photo embracing his beloved ‘Nany June,’ captioned with “RIP Nany June” and three heartbroken emojis. Expressing deep affection, he wrote, “I love you so much. Heaven has gained the most caring woman.”
This somber news follows a family loss two years ago when his paternal grandfather, Joseph Zammit, passed away on the eve of the 2022 Six Nations. Despite the emotional challenges, Rees-Zammit remains committed to his training schedule, engaging in six days of intensive practice both on the field and in the classroom, mastering the roles of wide receiver and running back.
Reflecting on his transition from rugby to American football, Rees-Zammit acknowledged his father’s influence and the desire to continue his legacy. Speaking on BBC Scrum V, he discussed the difficulty of the decision and the excitement of pursuing his NFL aspirations. “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” he admitted. “I’m just excited to see what happens and see what the future holds.”
As the 23-year-old approaches the culmination of his training program, he anticipates the opportunity to showcase his skills to NFL scouts next month. With determination and enthusiasm, Rees-Zammit looks forward to the next phase, embodying the spirit of a young athlete daring to follow his dreams in the world of American football.
