Multiple former NFL stars have revealed why Louis Rees-Zammit failed to break into league amid his announcement he would be returning to rugby.
The 24-year-old departed rugby last year to chase his gridiron dreams via the International Player Pathway Programme.
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Louis Rees-Zammit is returning to rugby after trying to make it in the NFL
Mastering an NFL playbook represents perhaps the most formidable challenge for rugby converts attempting the transition. Christian Wade, who spent three years with the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, described the learning process as “quite intimidating.”
“You have to learn the terminology and how to dissect it so that you can retain the information, then in a few hours put that into practice. Then do the same in the afternoon and the next day,” Wade explained.
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Christian Wade revealed the NFL playbook was the hardest thing to learn
Athletes who have progressed through the US educational system possess years of specialised training in the sport’s nuances.
American football teams benefit from an enormous talent pool emerging from college programmes, placing international crossover athletes like Rees-Zammit in an immediately disadvantageous position.
The depth of homegrown talent creates an almost insurmountable barrier for those arriving with rugby backgrounds, regardless of their athletic prowess.
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Two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora offered stark insights into the athletic standards required for NFL success.
He acknowledged Rees-Zammit’s abilities whilst highlighting the extraordinary competition from American athletes.
“I think Rees-Zammit is a fantastic athlete but in terms of pace and athleticism, there’s maybe 500 of those guys in Florida alone,” Umenyiora stated.
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The Welshman was originally picked up by the Kansa City Chiefs
The former defensive end emphasised that international players face significantly tougher paths to success.
“It’s usually a lot more difficult for players like that. You have to be unparalleled. You have to be superior athletically to be able to learn the game and then break through,” he explained.
