Rugby Star Turned NFL Wide Receiver Says He Has ‘One to Two More Years’ to Achieve NFL Dream

‘If I did have to go back, I think I’ll definitely be able to excel again.’

Louis Rees-Zammit of Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad looks on prior to the NFL match between New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Oct. 20, 2024. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and former rugby union star Jacob Rees-Zammit set a hard deadline for his NFL career.

Rees-Zammit made headlines in 2024 by retiring from rugby to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He originally signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but was cut and signed with Jacksonville; he was released at the end of the season but re-signed with the Jags in 2025 and was given their international player roster exemption.