Louis Rees-Zammit has moved a step closer towards playing in the NFL after being signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ active roster.
Rees-Zammit, 24, joined the Jaguars last year after being released by Kansas City Chiefs, becoming part of the practice (reserve) squad as an international exempt player.
Now the former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing has been signed to the Jaguars’ top group of 53 players, ahead of the start of the NFL’s free agency window next month, when unattached players can sign with any franchise.
Rees-Zammit’s decision to stay with the Jaguars comes at a time when the franchise had a turnover of off-field staff, after firing head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke. Jacksonville have since hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to be their new head coach while their search for a new general manager is ongoing. The move to sign Rees-Zammit to the active roster was made by interim GM Ethan Waugh.
Rees-Zammit is currently training in Dubai but discussed his future while making numerous media appearances during the recent Super Bowl in New Orleans.
“You know, the past year has been a crazy experience. Mentally, physically, it’s been tough. But it was a journey I’ve always wanted to be on. So I’m loving it,” Rees-Zammit told ITV.
Rees-Zammit made the shock announcement that he was leaving rugby at the start of 2024 – having scored 14 tries in 32 caps for Wales – to take part in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, after which he was signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad.
The Chiefs used Rees-Zammit as a running back and kick returner before he was waived during the final roster cutdowns last August, ahead of the new season. He was signed by Jacksonville, who since then have moved Rees-Zammit to wide receiver, keeping him on the practice squad throughout last season.
“You know, trying to pick up a brand new sport within three months, it is pretty tough, especially trying to play catch-up with all the boys who are playing now,” he added. “So it’s been a very tough year, but it’s one I’ve learnt so much. And I can really look forward to this year coming.”
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