Louis Rees-Zammit's shock statement, new life and uncertain future one year into NFL dream
Exactly one year ago today, Louis Rees-Zammit announced he would be quitting rugby and pursuing a career in American football.
The Penarth man burst onto the scene during the 2021 Six Nations at just 20 years of age. An electric 80-metre try against Italy, along with a stunning kick, chase and score against Scotland helped to establish him as a Test match star.
Whether it was epic tries for Wales at international level, fabulous performances for Gloucester in the Premiership or scoring tries for the British & Irish Lions, Rees-Zammit's rise in rugby was meteoric; but everything changed in January 2024.
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Here's everything you need to know about the Welshman's stunning move to a new sport and events of the past 12 months.
Rees-Zammit shocks the rugby world
On January 16, 2024, Rees-Zammit announced that he would be quitting rugby with immediate effect to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.
In a statement that sent shockwaves across the sporting world, the then-22-year-old explained that he would embark on a programme to learn how to play American football.
The statement was revealed just minutes before Wales were due to announce their squad for the 2024 Six Nations, in which he was due to be included.
Rees-Zammit said: “Gloucester Rugby has been a huge part of my life. From the start at Hartpury College and my first professional rugby contract with Gloucester in 2020, to my Wales and Lions caps; the club has been central to my development as a player, and I’m so grateful for their support.
“I will always be very proud of my time at Kingsholm and want to particularly thank the incredible fans who make the club so special. Also, to my team-mates, to George Skivington and Alex Brown, thank you for giving me such special memories and for supporting this next stage of my career.
“I have had the incredible honour of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted. However, I believe that this is the right time for me to realise another professional goal of playing American football in the US. Those opportunities don’t come around very often.”
Enters the International Player Pathway
Rees-Zammit kicked off his journey by accepting an offer to join the International Player Pathway.
The pathway gives athletes outside America the opportunity to make it in the sport and to also globalise the sport itself. The Welshman went on a 10-week training camp to prepare him and fellow athletes ahead of taking part in an NFL trial day.
It was revealed that Rees-Zammit would be aiming to make it in a hybrid wide receiver/running back role. He went on to impress his coaches while in the training camp, and hopes were high ahead of the NFL Pro Day (trial) on March 20.
The day didn't go as planned, with Rees-Zammit not reaching his goals on a number of different tests. These included broad jump, vertical jump and the 40-yard dash. The latter draws the most eyes, by far, and Rees-Zammit recorded 4.44 seconds, which was slower than the 4.2s and 4.3s he had recorded in training.
Nevertheless, it seemed like his scoring hadn't dissuaded scouts from paying him interest, as the Welshman was invited to meet with a number of top NFL sides in the days following the Pro Day.
Signed by Kansas City Chiefs
After days of speculation, it was revealed on March 30 that Rees-Zammit had signed a three-year deal with Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.
The thinking was that Rees-Zammit would be useful when deployed on special teams due to the NFL's new kick-off format, and more specifically as a kick returner.
Despite having signed for the Super Bowl champions, Rees-Zammit still needed to make either the 53-man roster or the 17-player practice squad to ensure he was still a Chiefs player when the new season started.
Settling in with the Chiefs, Rees-Zammit spoke about his first interactions with fellow players in camp, namely starring quarter-back Patrick Mahomes. "It was amazing, all the quarterbacks and receivers were there, we were running routes, we were working in the gym," he said.
"It was definitely a great two weeks, I definitely learned a lot with Pat and the other boys.”
After working hard in training, Rees-Zammit made his debut for Chiefs in their pre-season match against Jacksonville Jaguars. As expected, he was deployed as a running back, kicker, kick returner and as part of the punt coverage team. He played two more games after that.
Left without a team
The deadline for naming rosters for the regular season was August 28, and Rees-Zammit was not included in the Chiefs' collective.
Teams are forced to cut their squads down from around 90 to 53 ahead of the new season, and they must also name a 17-player practice squad, with many expecting Rees-Zammit to be named in the latter.
However, the Chiefs didn't include him in their practice squad either, and despite signing a three-year contract just a few months earlier, he was now without a team and his NFL dream was plunged into doubt.
Signed by Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite being cut by Chiefs and left without a team, Rees-Zammit was handed a lifeline.
Jacksonville Jaguars, whom he played against in his pre-season debut, signed him to their practice squad ahead of the new campaign. He was listed as a wide receiver, differing from his running back position at Chiefs.
Rees-Zammit was listed as the 17th player on the practice squad, specially reserved for international players who have come through the pathway.
Speaking about his move, Rees-Zammit explained that it was hard moving clubs. "It's definitely a tough experience," he explained. "When I first joined the Chiefs, playing running back, I was trying to learn that playbook and learn that role. You probably have to learn a lot less than if you're a receiver. You need to know all the routes, all the concepts, all the formations. When I joined the Jags, it's taken a lot of my time, I want to try and learn this as quick as possible to go out there and not even think when I'm playing. I just want to be able to play fast and know everything - stepping up to the line.
"It's taken up a lot of time, but I'm here, and I want to be here. I know that it's going to take a lot to get an opportunity, but I know what I've got to do. Just focus on the small details and wait for an opportunity to come."
When in the practice squad, like Rees-Zammit was, you are ineligible to play on game days as your job is to prepare the main 53-man roster for each match in training. However, you can be elevated up to three times per season if you are good enough or you are required as a replacement due to injury.
Despite this, Rees-Zammit was not elevated to the main roster once in the whole term, but in fairness, he did reference that this year was all about learning to play the game. He told The Times: "I’m taking this year, especially switching positions, as a learning year, just trying to get as much as I can under my belt at receiver."
However, the season did not go well for the Jaguars, who missed out on the play-offs as they finished second bottom of the AFC South. Head coach Doug Pedersen, who gave Rees-Zammit his second chance in the NFL, was dismissed as a result of his side's poor form.
Returns to Wales as contract expires
With the play-offs under way with the NFL's best teams for this year, it marked the end of the season for Rees-Zammit and the Jaguars.
The Welshman decided to return to home turf, rocking up at the Pontcanna Inn in Cardiff last weekend. Brother Taylor posted a picture of him and a friend in the popular drinking spot, with the caption: "And we're back".
He was also pictured in Miller and Carter on Monday evening as he enjoyed some well-earned rest in the off-season.
While back in Wales, it was confirmed that Rees-Zammit's contract with the Jaguars had expired, with the franchise not offering him a futures contract - meaning that he is now available to sign for other teams. WalesOnline understands that he is now "figuring out" his next move. You can read more about that here.
However, the Jaguars are said to have been impressed by him, with it certainly not out of the question that he could still be offered a futures contract and remain in Jacksonville for next season.
Marking the end of 2024, Rees-Zammit took to social media to look back on a chaotic year in his career. "What a crazy year it's been," he wrote. "Can't thank everyone enough for the support I've had over the last 12 months. Can't wait to see what the future holds in 2025."
Personal life
After a few months Stateside, in March Rees-Zammit and celebrity girlfriend Saffron Barker officially split up. The YouTuber revealed the news online barely a day after he competed in the NFL Pro Day.
"Hi everyone, I have so much exciting news to update you on and I promise to keep you all posted on that," Barker wrote.
"For now though I wanted to address some of the questions regarding my relationship. Whilst I won’t be going into any detail, I am no longer in a relationship. I am fully focused on my wellbeing, wonderful family and career. I want to thank all of the incredible people who have sent me messages of love and strength over the past few weeks.
"I have read every single one and I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me. The community I’ve built on here for nearly 10 years (how amazing!) are always there for me. It feels so special to have your support and strength, so thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
"I know good things come to good people so I hold onto the hope that 2024 is going to be a positive year for me. Lots of love, Saffron."
In May, Rees-Zammit was pictured with Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Xandra Pohl at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. It sparked rumours that they were dating, but nothing ever came of that.
With regards to his family, Rees-Zammit's older brother Taylor moved out with him towards the beginning of his journey, while his parents joined him in the autumn.
Speaking to The Rugby Pod in April last year after signing for the Kansas City Chiefs, Rees-Zammit said: "My brother is going to move over in July. We've got our energy drink Savitar, me and my brother set it up. It's been two and a half years in the making and it just got released a couple of months ago. He's going to move over and we're going to get it out in America and see how it goes.
"I know what I've got to focus on but at the same time, my brother is dealing with Savitar and all the other directors within the company," he added. "My brother is moving over in July and my family will hopefully move over for the season. I know what I've got to do, I've got to make the 53-man squad and then we can go from there."
