Code hopper Louis Rees-Zammit revealed that he is “working really hard on this dream” to become an NFL player after being included in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad.
In March, the 23-year-old joined the Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal but, after failing to make their 53-man NFL roster recently, he was picked up by the Jaguars to join their practice squad.
The NFL season started on Thursday with the Chiefs sealing a 27-20 over the Baltimore Ravens and the Jaguars are set to start their campaign against the Miami Dolphins in Miami on Saturday.
Jaguars to play two NFL matches in London
The Jaguars have regularly played matches in London over the past 10 years and are set to take on the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13 and the New England Patriots at Wembley on October 20.
There has also been speculation that the Jags could make the move to London permanently – something which has led to many NFL fans saying that was the reason Rees-Zammit was added to the club’s practice squad.
However, the former Wales and Gloucester flyer is not paying attention to those suggestions.
POPULAR ON PLANET RUGBY
“I don’t really care about haters,” Rees-Zammit told the BBC. “They can say what they want behind their phones, behind their laptops making comments.
“I don’t listen to that kind of stuff. I know what I’ve got to do to be successful and they can write all they want.
“I’m working really hard on this dream and I’ve got to try and do as much as I can every day to be a better football player and a better person.”
Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL dream continues despite Kansas City Chiefs disappointment
The Jaguars were among several clubs who tried to acquire Rees-Zammit’s services after he shone during the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) before he eventually signed his deal with the Chiefs.
After being ‘cut’ from the Chiefs, the 2021 British & Irish Lions tourist was placed on waivers – where any of the other 31 NFL sides can bring players into their squad – and the Jaguars then recruited him for their practice squad.
Every NFL side are allowed to include one international player on its 17-member practice squad. Players in practice squads can work out during the week with NFL teams but are ineligible to play in actual games unless the player is promoted to the regular roster.
Keen to realise NFL dream
“It would mean everything playing in the NFL,” said Rees-Zammit.
“I’ve played pre-season games, but to play a regular season game would be unbelievable.
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“That was the first time I’ve ever played football so to get on to a 53 that soon was very unlikely.
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“But you’ve got to stay level-headed and I’m so thankful to this team for giving me the opportunity to be able to carry on my dream.
“It’s a team with a very bright future with some very exciting players and coaches, so I’m very happy.”
