After Louis Rees Zammit announced his retirement from professional rugby, his parents, Maxine and Joe, seemed to embrace his desire to play in the NFL. Louis Rees Zammit, a 22-year-old talented rugby player who was regarded to have a bright future in the sport, has opted to seek an NFL career. Louis revealed his decision on Instagram, saying that he was leaving rugby to play American football on January 16, 2024.
This announcement came only minutes before Wales announced their Six Nations Championship lineup, which Louis would normally be a part of. This statement surprised many, particularly his supporters, teammates, and coaches. Furthermore, to obtain a slot, Louis intends to join the NFL International Player Pathway program. After completing the 10-week program, he may be eligible for the 2024 NFL draft. However, Louis said that the move does not necessarily imply that he is retiring from rugby, although he has no intentions to return soon.
Do Louis Rees Zammit’s Parents Support His Decision?
The former rugby player has made a crucial professional decision, opting to play in the National Football League. With this, the footballer conveyed his appreciation to his fans and hoped to have their support during this trip. However, his choice to make a change has elicited a mix of favorable and negative comments. Aside from that, as Louis prepares to go on this voyage, his parents, Maxine and Joe, seem completely supportive.
As former athletes, they feel that a player should develop his abilities and skill set and seek out new experiences. Interestingly, Louis’s father was the one who originally exposed him to the world of football. His father, who played American football with the Cardiff Bay Tigers, instilled in him a passion for the sport. Furthermore, when questioned about his reasons for wanting an NFL career, Louis said,
“I want to continue my father’s legacy and make him proud.”
Given this, Louis’ parents are likely eager to see their son make it to the NFL. Furthermore, although his teammates and coaches are saddened by his departure, they are optimistic about his future. Wales coach Warren Gatland said that he is surprised but excited about what the future holds for him.
A Look At His Professional Career
Louis Rees Zammit, a former rugby player, represented Gloucester in the English Premiership and the Wales national side. He began his career with Cardiff Blues and joined the Gloucester senior squad in 2019 as the club’s youngest Premiership player. The child made an early impact, becoming the youngest European player and try scorer. Similarly, in 2020, Louis received his first professional contract and won Gloucester’s Young Player of the Year award.
Furthermore, throughout his tenure at Gloucester, he constantly performed, scoring an astounding 190 points in just 69 outings for the squad. In addition, the player represented Wales in the 2020 and 2021 Six Nations Championships. Despite such a successful career, the young champion recently revealed his intention to leave rugby to pursue a career in the National Football League.
