January 2024, world rugby awoke to a wave of shock – Young gun, future of the game, Louis Rees-Zammit, quits rugby weeks out from six nations kick off to pursue his dream in the NFL.
With the conclusion of the 2024 Superbowl seeing Kansas City Chiefs beat San Francisco 49ers to win back-to-back NFL titles, Louis’ name and his move to the NFL resurfaced onto sporting news headlines. What does his move mean for world rugby? Let’s dive into todays ‘Toshi’s Take’ with a story I find personally intriguing as a player similar to Louis.
Louis Rees-Zammit, former Wales rugby union star, was said to be the next big thing. Starring in the Netflix series, Full Contact – following the lives of six nations players – the world got a glimpse into the life of the ambition fuelled 23-year-old, ready to turn the game on its head. Graced with unbelievable speed and agility, watching Louis move around the field captivated the minds of the rugby world, showing us just how damaging speed can be in the game. As a player whose main strength is speed – in a very aggressive contact game – I found, watching Louis extremely inspirational and motivating, and I’m sure, as did all of the backs of the game.
Now, Louis is all over the media. Not for what any of us could have predicted, but for a new career pathway, following his NFL dreams.
When news broke out about the rising star making the switch to the NFL’s International Player’s Pathway (IPP), it came as a shock to the rugby world. Especially with it being released in the eve of the six nations competitions start. I can say, this was certainly not on my 2024 bingo card, as soon as I saw the news I ran to the comments, seeing exactly what was expected; hate.
‘Rees-Zammit is making a huge mistake’.
‘A rugby player could never compare to the demands of NFL’.
‘Zero chance of making it’.
‘The abilities of an NFL player are far beyond the capabilities of a Rugby player’.
After reading about the news and seeing all the hate, it made me really think about his decision. Not just for what it says on the headlines, but the reasons behind his big decision.
What people need to understand is; professional sport is Louis’ and every rugby player’s job. Once you make it, it’s not just a dream anymore. Its reality. It’s your livelihood. The game we play is physical, demanding. The bodies of the stars we love to watch are only capable – on average – to eight to ten years of the game. We only have a decade, if that, to make an income that lasts for life.
Without a doubt, Louis is already making a huge amount playing rugby, though it’s nothing compared to what he could make with the switch to NFL. The minimum salary for a player on an active team list: $825,000USD. We are only talking about the lowest he could potentially earn. For Louis, it’s simply an offer he can’t reject, an opportunity that could change the course of his career and change his life.
Place yourself in the young mind of Louis Rees-Zammit and you can easily see why the code switch caught his interest: I’ll give it a crack, if I make it, cha-ching, If I don’t, well, I gave it a crack. Being 23 years old and in his athletic prime, this challenge has come at the right time for Welsh flyer with minimal downside if he was to fall short.
However, the level of athleticism, physicality and knowledge required to make the NFL, as well as the talent he will be up against for a spot cannot be under appreciated. Christian Wade is a clear example, arguably as electric as Louis yet his NFL dreams short-lived, returning back to rugby after three seasons.
The next crop of college wide receivers and kick return specialists will have their eyes on the same prize as Louis. With that, his hand-timed 10.44 second 100m which shocked the rugby world, is sub-par when compared to college sprinters in the States. The NFL takes being ‘fast’ on the field to a whole new level. The NFL International Players Pathway programme stands as only the first step, of a competitive and enduring dream chase for LRZ.
What position will LRZ play?
The question that has fuelled every comment section.
Running routes as a wide receiver demands lightning speed, footwork and timing, and the Welsh flyer ticks all the boxes. Most NFL wide receivers have been running routes and memorising plays from young, leaving Louis at a disadvantage.
Seeing the first glimpses of Louis and the NFL ball posted on his Instagram, it was obvious that his technique needed sharpening and he was a bit out of touch. However, as more videos surface, Louis’ confidence with the new ball is visibly increasing. He’s only 23 and willing to learn, the potential is exciting.
Toshi’s Take
From a rugby players point of view, punt returner is the position that calls for Louis. He’s got the size, speed and agility, put that lethal combination into the familiar scenario of a kick return and that’s dangerous. Under the highball, with open space in front of him to attack, I believe Louis will feel right at home…minus the blockers obstructing any defender in his way, giving him even more time and space. That’s something he’ll get used to quick that’s for sure!
Whether Louis is successful or not in pursuing a career in the NFL, the exposure of Louis’ decision will reach worldwide audiences, only growing the support for the sport. The loss of LZR, one of rugby’s most exciting young player, leaves a large hole in world rugby and serves as a wakeup call to the organisation for how easily the stars of their game can leave to pursue other pathways if given the right incentive.
Despite the long road ahead for Louis, I am rooting for him and will be following his journey to the NFL closely. I truly believe he can put rugby players on the map as athletes for the world to see and spark a new era of rugby athletes wanting to follow in his footsteps. Exciting times ahead for the Welsh flyer.
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