Welsh rugby prodigy Louis Rees-Zammit is preparing for a significant moment in his professional journey as he readies himself to showcase his talents at the NFL Pro Day. At 23 years old, Rees-Zammit, who recently transitioned from rugby to American football, is a participant in the 2024 International Player Pathway (IPP) and is eager to capture the attention of NFL scouts.
With 32 caps for Wales, Rees-Zammit is now undergoing a 10-week intensive program to acquire the necessary skills for NFL success. His participation in the Pro Day at the University of South Florida provides an exceptional opportunity for him to display his athleticism and talent to scouts from all 32 NFL teams.
Pro Days are pivotal events for aspiring NFL players, resembling the NFL Combine in their meticulous evaluation of players’ physical and technical abilities. Rees-Zammit will undergo a series of drills, including the bench press, vertical jump, and a timed 40-yard sprint, in order to assess his strength, athleticism, and ball skills. A strong performance at the Pro Day could greatly enhance Rees-Zammit’s prospects of securing a place in a team’s summer training squad.
The Welsh talent is part of a group of 16 international athletes taking part in the 2024 IPP in Florida. Included in this cohort are English athletes George Smith, Travis Clayton, and former Northampton Saints centre Harry Mallinder, as well as Gaelic football goalkeepers Rory Beggan, Charlie Smyth, and Mark Jackson, along with Scottish sprinter Praise Olatoke.
The IPP has a history of success, with 37 players having secured contracts with NFL teams since its establishment in 2017. Notable success stories include Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata and Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada. Given recent rule changes offering greater opportunities for IPP players, Rees-Zammit and his peers are now facing their best chance yet to make a mark in the NFL.
For the first time, all 32 NFL franchises will have additional places in their practice squads specifically reserved for IPP participants. Following the conclusion of the 10-week program, teams will have the option to add IPP players to their practice-squad rosters. Furthermore, these players can be promoted to the final 53-man squad up to three times during the season without occupying a standard roster spot.
These changes have substantially decreased the risk for NFL franchises in nurturing talent from the IPP. As Rees-Zammit prepares for Pro Day, his goal is to persuade scouts of his potential for a successful transition to American football. His aspiration to adopt a hybrid role, combining the running back and wide receiver positions, highlights his versatility, while his exceptional speed and agility make him an appealing prospect for teams looking to strengthen their special teams.
As the Pro Day on Wednesday approaches, all attention will be on Rees-Zammit as he endeavors to maximize this pivotal opportunity to establish a successful career in the NFL.