In a bold career pivot, Welsh rugby star Louis Rees‑Zammit recently announced he is stepping away from American football—ending an intense 18-month experiment in the NFL.
What began as a thrilling opportunity quickly showed just how tough it is to succeed in a sport deeply rooted in an American background.
From Lions Pitch to NFL Practice Squad
Rees‑Zammit, already a London 2023 Six Nations champion with over 30 caps for Wales, left Gloucester in early 2024 and surprised many by taking up a role as a running back via the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.
He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and later moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad.
Despite blazing speed and huge potential, he never made it onto an active 53-man roster or appeared in a regular season game—his chances further hindered by injury.
“A Great Experience” – But Time to Return Home
Reflecting on his NFL experience, Rees‑Zammit posted on social media:
“It’s been a great experience, but it’s time to come home.
I want to focus on getting ready for the next rugby season and do what I do best.”
His words sound full of clarity: he’s closing the NFL chapter and preparing to reignite his rugby career.
Britons Give NFL a Shot—but Few Make It
Rees‑Zammit isn’t the only Brit to chase NFL dreams—and many have hit similar roadblocks:
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Dwain Chambers: The former sprinter tried American football during an athletics ban. He joined NFL Europa’s Hamburg Sea Devils in 2007, but league collapse and injuries cut his journey short. Chambers later reflected that learning football tactics felt like starting chess from scratch—and the physical risks were massive.
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Christian Wade: The electric Wasps winger joined the Buffalo Bills via the IPP in 2019. Despite preseason appearances, Wade spent years on the practice squad before returning to rugby—and later switching to rugby league in 2025.
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Lawrence Okoye: A former Olympic discus thrower, Okoye signed with the 49ers in 2013. After bouncing between practice squads across multiple NFL teams and leagues, he eventually returned to athletics—going on to medal at European championships.
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Alex Gray: One of the first rugby players in the International Pathway, Gray joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 but couldn’t make the active roster. He returned to England and later transitioned into television after short rugby stints.
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Christian Scotland‑Williamson: The ex-Worcester Warriors tight end joined the Pittsburgh Steelers IPP cohort in 2017. Despite building bonds within the team, injuries stopped his progress. He later retrained and now works as a barrister.
Even Harry Kane Has Considered the NFL
It might sound unusual, but even England football captain Harry Kane has admitted he’d love to try his hand at the NFL—specifically as a kicker.
Inspired by ex-footballer Clive Allen, who played for the London Monarchs in NFL Europe, Kane has acknowledged the challenge but isn’t ruling it out after his football career ends.
Why So Few Brits Make It: The Mental and Tactical Shift
The main challenge isn’t just athleticism—it’s mastering the tactical complexity of football. As Chambers put it, you’re playing chess on the field.
And in the NFL, split-second reactions and scheme knowledge matter just as much as speed or strength.
What’s Next for Rees‑Zammit?
While American football didn’t pan out, Rees‑Zammit certainly left with stories and lessons.
Now, all signs point back to the rugby pitch—where he’s already excelled and where his next chapter lies.
And after a setback, few things feel sweeter than returning to familiar territory.
Some doors may have closed in the NFL, but Rees‑Zammit’s rugby journey is far from over—and he’s coming back stronger than ever.
