JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Well-known Welsh rugby player, Louis Rees-Zammit, has decided to step away from American football.
Rees-Zammit made the announcement via his social media channels on Thursday that he would be leaving the NFL to return to his rugby roots.
โWhile itโs been a rewarding experience, itโs time for me to come back home,โ he expressed.
โIโve realized that now is the perfect moment to make this decision and prepare for the upcoming rugby season. My ultimate focus is on what I excel at, and I canโt describe how thrilled I am about this decision!
โThere will be more updates down the line, but for now, rugby fans, Iโll see you soon.โ
Rees-Zammit, at 24 years old, became part of the NFLโs Jacksonville Jaguars in September of last year. He had switched from a running back to a receiver in hopes of getting gameplay experience.
Previously, he was associated with Kansas City, where he spent five months honing his skills as a running back.
However, he did not make significant strides in his NFL career and was not anticipated to be a playing contender for the Jaguars by 2025.
Moreover, he had been sidelined from the last five practices due to a lower back injury.
Rees-Zammit participated in the NFLโs International Player Pathway Program, which aims to offer opportunities to players from various countries. Through this program, NFL teams are allowed to have an additional practice squad member from this pool of players.
Throughout the previous season, Rees-Zammit had been a part of Jacksonvilleโs practice squad.
Although practice squad members dedicate as much time to the sport as those on the main 53-man roster, they earn less and must be elevated to the active roster to participate in actual games.
The program provided Rees-Zammit, regarded as one of the premier wingers in rugby for years, a chance to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.
American football held a special place for his family, with his father being a passionate fan and the then Washington Redskins being their cherished team.
Navigating the transition from the UK to the American football scene was an unfamiliar journey for many back in his homeland.
As Rees-Zammit prepares for his rugby comeback, his decision resonates with both reflection and anticipation for what lies ahead in his rugby career.