26 January 2024 , 14:55
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Former Wales rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit has demonstrated some of the qualities that persuaded him to ditch the sport in favour of pursing an NFL career - with a one-handed catch reminiscent of Odell Beckham Jr.
The ex-international prodigy recently shocked the world of rugby by announcing his intention to join the NFL's International Player Pathway to in a bid to earn a place on a team roster in 2024. His decision came on the eve of the Six Nations, with the 22-year-old having been seen as one of Wales' key players heading into the tournament.
However, as he starts out on his journey, he has shown an early demonstration of the talents that convinced him to pursue a switch to American football, Rees-Zammit has wowed his fans with a show of real potential. In a video that went viral on Twitter/X by NFL UK, the former 32-time international pulled off a one-handed grab.
His exploits immediately drew comparisons with Super Bowl victor Beckham Jr, who has earned a reputation for spectacular heroics during his NFL career. In one famous instance, the wide receiver pulled off an unlikely and equally mesmerising catch for the New York Giants back in 2014 which left Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr flailing.
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After this brief glimpse into the Rees-Zammit's credentials as he seeks a new career in the NFL, some fans were eager to give their verdicts on his attributes. Taking to Twitter /X to react to the aforementioned video, one user gave a wide-ranging summation said: "He'll probably be back in rugby in a few years.
"But if he makes it the popularity of football could skyrocket here and opens up the pathway," he continued as he forecasted that the former Welsh rugby union ace could help to transform the popularity as his new sport in the UK. "Just hope he’s physically able to keep up.. having good hands is key too."
Continuing in a similar vein, one user also made a prediction about what position the former winger could hypothetically take up in the NFL. They posited: "Punter returner or Running Back. Not got the athleticism to be a WR Hope he does well but I think he’ll back in rugby in two."
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Louis Rees-Zammit showed off his promise in a viral video on social media
Louis Rees-Zammit pulled off a difficult one-handed catch in a viral clipExplaining the reasons behind his decision to pursue a career in the NFL, the 22-year-old issued a comprehensive statement: "I would like to take this opportunity to announce a significant career decision that I have taken after careful consideration.
"In a move that I am extremely excited about, I can confirm that I will be joining the NFL's International Player Pathway program 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," he said, going on to say: "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 Gloucester from afar.
The Welshman added: "To all my followers, fans and family, I thank you for your support and look forward to having your backing throughout this next chapter."