Christian Wade: Louis Rees-Zammit's NFL Dream Still Alive Despite Kansas City Chiefs Setback

Gloucester wing Christian Wade has offered words of encouragement to Louis Rees-Zammit, insisting that the former Wales rugby union star's NFL dream is far from over despite not making the Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man roster for the 2024 season.

Rees-Zammit, who took the bold step of quitting rugby in January to pursue a career in American football, has spent the offseason training with the Chiefs. The 23-year-old participated in all three of the team’s preseason games, showcasing his potential. However, he was not selected on 'cutdown day,' when NFL teams must trim their offseason squads from 90 players to 53 before the start of the season.

While missing out on the final roster is a setback, Rees-Zammit's journey in the NFL is not over. He remains eligible to be signed by another team for a practice squad, which could eventually lead to a spot on a regular-season roster.

Christian Wade, who himself attempted to transition from rugby union to American football, spent three seasons with the Buffalo Bills before returning to rugby. He understands the challenges of breaking into the NFL but believes that Rees-Zammit still has a chance to make his mark.

"It is completely different, the way sport over there works," Wade said, reflecting on his own experience in the NFL. "Just to be in the NFL and be able to represent the badge is the goal. For him to do that is success in itself."

Wade emphasized that the journey doesn’t end with making the roster, as there are many ways Rees-Zammit can contribute and continue to develop. "Now it is up to him to try and put himself in a position to be able to contribute as much as possible," Wade added. "Contributing, whether it is just by being in the building, giving good reps in practice, getting game-time, making good plays."

He highlighted that survival in the NFL is about more than just securing a spot on the team—it’s about continually proving your value. "That is all everyone is trying to do, get to the league and once they get there just try to survive. That is what it is."

For Rees-Zammit, the road ahead may be challenging, but with the support and insight from those who have walked a similar path, his NFL dream remains very much alive. As he navigates this next phase of his American football journey, fans on both sides of the Atlantic will be watching to see how the young star’s story unfolds.