Louis Rees-Zammit is one of Wales‘ former rugby heroes transitioning quite toughly. According to the NFL‘s general manager for the UK and Ireland, Henry Hodgson, the former rugby star now needs more time to assess the demands made by the NFL. At just 23, he took an important decision and quit rugby union this year to pursue a career in the NFL, with the Kansas City Chiefs and now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he hasn’t played league time yet.
Getting Used to the Game
According to BBC, as Hodgson commented, “The desire of Rees-Zammit is extraordinary because only a few had ever tried a transformation in such short duration. “There’s lots to learn,” he stated while letting on that although Rees Zammit may be a natural athlete, perfecting the skills of American football is key. Hodgson said that Rees-Zammit will do well, and likely to see him play if not this season then maybe the following year.”.
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Inspirational Path for the Young Ones
With this journey has been as unprecedented for Rees-Zammit as it was, he believes that it is going to inspire other young athletes to take up the opportunities now more readily available in the NFL. According to him, Rees-Zammit opened up pathways for young talent in the UK, and although it had been a very short time course on his part, it was unlike most others.
USA NFL Academy takes 16- to 18-year-olds and works with them to perfect the route and the outcome of the sport.
Taking the Bull by the Horns
The fact that Rees-Zammit is an ex-Wales international who played for Gloucester means that he had some deflated moments last month, missing the Chiefs squad for the season in August. The boisterousness of such a career shift could not even faze him as a reason for transfer to Jaguars. Rugby players who have signed for the NFL did not go so well, but Hodgson believes Rees-Zammit can break the curse on them changing this narrative.
Build-Up to Game Day
Fans are awaiting matches in London, one of which is the high-profile game featuring the Jaguars, to see Rees-Zammit in action. Fans had been hopeful about his potential and drew attention to how one good performance could prove to be very significant for him in the rest of the season. With the NFL’s growing popularity in the UK also attributed to celebrity relationships such as Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Hodgson is excited for football’s increasing popularity.
Future of the NFL in the UK
Overall, the NFL is trying its best to bring the younger eyes and audiences of the UK. According to Hodgson, it is time to show the fun surrounding the game and the entertainment close up, where there can be an entry of hope for further appreciation about American football.
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