Louis Rees-Zammit has been added to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad following his pre-season training stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Wales rugby union star, who recently transitioned to American football, was initially expected to join the Chiefs’ practice squad after failing to make their 53-man NFL roster.
Rees-Zammit, 23, had been signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as a running back on a three-year deal after successfully coming through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme. During his time with the Chiefs, he played in three pre-season games, including one against the Florida-based Jaguars. However, he missed out on selection during the ‘cutdown day’ when NFL teams reduce their off-season rosters from 90 to 53 players ahead of the regular season.
After being placed on waivers, where other teams had the opportunity to sign him, Rees-Zammit was picked up by the Jaguars, who listed him as a wide receiver on their practice squad. Jacksonville was among several franchises impressed by his performance during the IPP pro day in March, and their interest culminated in this latest signing.
Rees-Zammit, a former British and Irish Lion, made headlines in January when he announced his decision to leave Wales and Gloucester Rugby to chase his dream of playing in the NFL. He made his American football debut earlier this month in the Chiefs’ opening pre-season game against Jacksonville.
Each NFL team is allowed to have one international player on its practice squad in addition to 16 other players. While practice squad members can train with the team throughout the week, they are not eligible to play in regular-season games unless promoted to the active roster.
Rees-Zammit will now continue to pursue his NFL ambitions with the Jaguars in Florida, a team that maintains a strong presence in the UK. The Jaguars are set to play two games in London this season, facing the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before hosting the New England Patriots at Wembley.
