Louis Rees-Zammit: Christian Wade backs former rugby star to achieve NFL dream after Kansas City Chiefs loss

Gloucester winger Christian Wade says the door is not closed on Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL dream after the former rugby union star was left out of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 53-man squad for the 2024 season.

Rees-Zammit left rugby in January to pursue a career in the NFL and trained with the Chiefs during the off-season.

The 23-year-old had played in all three preseason games for the defending Super Bowl champions but failed to make the final roster on “cutting day,” when teams must trim their 90-player practice squad to just 53.

But while his omission from the team seems like a major setback, others who have tried to join the NFL insist Rees-Zammit’s dreams are still alive.

Wade also attempted to break into the NFL in 2018, spending three seasons as a running back with the Buffalo Bills before returning to rugby after being released.

He said the way the sport worked in the United States was “completely different” and insisted Rees-Zammit could still achieve his dreams.

“Just being in the NFL and being able to represent the badge is the goal. For him to do that is an achievement in itself,” Wade said.

Rees-Zammit is expected to continue training with the Chiefs as part of their training squad and could be signed by other teams in the meantime.

The Chiefs can also promote Rees-Zammit to their main roster up to three times this season, and NFL teams can also promote two players from their practice squad each game, giving the Welshman plenty of chances to play.

“Now it’s up to him to try to put himself in a position to be able to contribute as much as possible,” Wade added.

“Contributing, whether it’s just being in the building, giving good reps in practice, getting playing time, making good plays.

“That’s all everyone’s trying to do, get to the league and once they’re there, try to survive. That’s how it is.”

“I’m not going to become the best player in the world overnight, so I have to be patient,” he said.