By Gareth James
Louis Rees-Zammit has been made a 100-1 long shot to score a touchdown for an NFL team in the regular season before next year’s Superbowl.
Rees-Zammit stunned the rugby world when the Wales and Gloucester wing announced he was leaving rugby union for a crack at American football.
Now, leading Welsh bookmaker DragonBet are offering long odds on the 22-year-old superstar scoring ahead of Superbowl LIX in February at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
Before then, Rees-Zammit will have to go through training on the NFL International Player Pathway, which “provides elite athletes from around the world with an opportunity to earn a place on an NFL roster.”
— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) January 16, 2024
Then, he has to be recruited by an NFL side after showing enough promise over the 10-week camp.
After that, he would need to shine sufficiently in pre-season matches to make the regular NFL season.
DragonBet director James Lovell said: “We think it’s a long shot, but why not? Louis has done some incredible things, including becoming the youngest guy to get picked by the Lions for 62 years.
“He’s someone who re-writes record books and bookies are always a bit wary of those.”
Rees-Zammit’s father, Joe Zammit, played running back and wide receiver for Cardiff Tigers American Football team 20 years ago.
Most American sports pundits have always stressed how incredibly difficult it is for professional athletes from other sports to make a success of NFL.
https://twitter.com/S4Cchwaraeon/status/1747275299128263158?s=20
But former England wing Christian Wade did score a 65-yard touchdown for the Buffalo Bills in 2018, although it was not in the regular NFL season.
Wade never played in a regular season game and his experiment lasted three years before he returned to rugby after agreeing a deal to join French side Racing 92.
Rees-Zammit will leave the UK for Florida this week to begin the IPP programme.
The 22-year-old made 32 appearances for Wales at international level and was also part of the most recent British and Irish Lions squad back in 2021 that toured South Africa.
https://twitter.com/NFLUK/status/1747237814180229125?s=20
In a statement, he said: “In a move that I am extremely excited about, I can confirm that I will be joining the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) in pursuit of earning a spot on an NFL roster in the United States for 2024.
“Opting to step away from international rugby on the eve of the Six Nations has been a painstaking decision, but I am extremely excited to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue a new challenge.
“My immense gratitude also goes to Glouster Rugby – a club that is extremely close to my heart – and particularly George Skivington and Alex Brown, for allowing me to head in a different direction over the next few weeks.
“Although this decision may come as a surprise, I would like to reiterate that this does not necessarily mean I am retiring from rugby, but rather at this age and stage of my life, I am excited to explore a unique challenge that has the potential to diversify my skill set.
“My best wishes go out to Wales for the upcoming Six Nations and year ahead, while I will continue to closely follow the continued progress of Glouster from afar.
“To all my followers, fans and family, I thank you for your support, and look forward to having your backing throughout this next chapter.”
Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is stepping away from the sport to pursue an NFL career.
The 22-year-old will join the NFL's international player pathway program, making him eligible for this year's NFL Draft.
He has been clocked running 24.2 mph.pic.twitter.com/hdCOeZ3gA1
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) January 16, 2024
