{"id":12437,"date":"2024-01-18T00:31:58","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T00:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kede.com.br\/sport\/louis-rees-zammit-how-wales-star-can-fulfil-his-american-dream\/"},"modified":"2024-01-18T00:32:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T00:32:00","slug":"louis-rees-zammit-how-wales-star-can-fulfil-his-american-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kede.com.br\/sport\/louis-rees-zammit-how-wales-star-can-fulfil-his-american-dream\/","title":{"rendered":"Louis Rees-Zammit: How Wales star can fulfil his American dream"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Can Louis Rees-Zammit transfer his skills to gridiron?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Louis Rees-Zammit has quit rugby to chase his “dream” – but how difficult will it be to make that come true?<\/span><\/p>\n

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The 22-year-old Wales and Gloucester wing stunned the rugby world by announcing his immediate departure from the sport to try his hand in the NFL.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It was as bold and brave as it was a surprise, forcing Wales to delay naming their Six Nations squad on Tuesday.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what is next for Rees-Zammit, what can he expect from his switch and can he succeed where so many have failed?<\/span><\/p>\n

Well just as he does on the pitch, there is no hanging about for the Cardiff-born flyer who is already packing his bags to head to Florida on Friday.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even Wales head coach Warren Gatland was take aback with Rees-Zammit <\/span>calling just an hour before<\/span><\/a> the squad announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the IPP programme?<\/h3>\n

The International Player Pathway Program helps foreign-born football players reach the NFL.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since its inception in 2017, the program has provided elite international athletes with an opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.<\/span><\/p>\n

Players can then earn a place with an NFL team’s practice squad before final selection for the season roster.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said the decision last September to expanding the scheme was a “significant step forward” in bringing global talent to the NFL.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does the IPP involve?<\/h3>\n

Players spend 10 arduous weeks in an intensive camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where days can start as early as 05:00 and include studying the sport as well as working on skills.<\/span><\/p>\n

Players are then evaluated through the annual NFL International Combine – a combination of test including bench press, 40-yard dash and shuttle drills – before playing in front of team scouts at a pro day held at the University of South Florida ahead of the NFL Draft.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does Rees-Zammit offer?<\/h3>\n

Wales coach Gatland <\/span>described him as a “freak”<\/span><\/a> as an athlete.<\/span><\/p>\n

Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter said: “His speed immediately jumps out at you. He has incredible straight-line quickness, great athleticism and at 6ft 3, he’s got these great physical skills. <\/span><\/p>\n

“To play for your country you must have that competitive mindset, that is half the battle when you’re trying to make it in the NFL. Being willing to learn and develop is huge but it’s not easy. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Louis brings athleticism and physical size, but a lot will be his mental toughness. He’s got to be willing to start from scratch again. He’s going to go from the top of a sport in rugby union to being at the bottom of the NFL.”<\/span><\/p>\n