Louis Rees-Zammit on the complexity of understanding the key aspect of the NFL: Planet Rugby

Louis Rees-Zammit has admitted he is still coming to terms with the complexity of studying NFL playbooks since making the transition from rugby union to American football earlier this year.

The 23-year-old flyer switched sports codes in January and underwent an intense 10-week training course as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

In March, the former Wales and Gloucester representative signed a contract with Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs, but unfortunately struggled to learn the nuances of his new sport quickly enough.

Part of the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad

That kept him from making the Chiefs’ 53-man NFL roster, but he got a lifeline when the Jacksonville Jaguars swooped in and added him to their practice squad.

Rees-Zammit’s NFL career is yet to take off and moving from the Chiefs to the Jaguars meant he had to study different playbooks and what made things even more complicated was that he switched positions from playing running back at wide receiver.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a tough experience,” he told reporters. “You know, obviously when I first joined the Chiefs playing running back, obviously I was trying to learn that playbook and learn that role.

“And you’ll probably have to learn a lot less than if you’re a catcher.

Louis Rees-Zammit makes an honest admission about the transition from rugby to the NFL

“You have to know all the routes, know all the concepts, all the formations (as a receiver). So, you know, when I joined the Jags, it took me a long time because I want to try to learn this as quickly as possible so I can go out there and not have to think when I’m playing.

“I just want to be able to play fast and know everything, you know, going up the lane.

“So I would say it’s taken up a lot of time, but I’m here and I want to be here.

“So I know it’s going to take a lot to get a chance, but I know what I have to do and I just have to focus on the little details and then wait for the opportunity to come.”

While studying two different playbooks must have been very difficult for Rees-Zammit, it also helped him in his development as a professional American football player and he is happy that he has finally settled on a position.

“I mean one of the biggest things for me was finding a position that was the best fit for me,” he said. “And unfortunately it didn’t work out at the Chiefs and as a running back we found out that probably wasn’t the best position for me.

Happy with the new position

“Coming here and the Jags gave me a chance to play receiver and I feel like I like that position a lot better.

“It allows me to use my speed a lot more than on the way back. Just little things like that. So, you know, I’m really happy to be here.

“And like I said, I love it.”

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