sport news Louis Rees-Zammit rolled the dice and took a huge gamble in pursuit of his NFL ... trends now

When Louis Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world in January by quitting the sport he grew up playing to pursue his NFL dream, the doubters couldn't wait to raise their voices.

My phone immediately lit up that morning with messages from agents, key figures within Welsh and English rugby, and friends who were fascinated by the now former Wales wing's decision.

The overriding theme was one of cynicism. 'What's he doing?' 'He'll be back in two years with his tail between his legs.' 'Why would he gamble the great career he already has?'

Rees-Zammit's decision to leave rugby came on the same day Wales confirmed their squad for the 2024 Six Nations. It forced their head coach Warren Gatland into a dramatic change of plan.

I was on holiday in Mexico at the time, taking a break after a long stint covering the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The thought process was I wouldn't miss much at the Wales squad announcement.

How wrong I was.

Rees-Zammit's decision to leave his Gloucester contract with immediate effect was a huge, huge story. The time difference between the United Kingdom and Mexico meant I learned of the announcement later than others. There had been rumours of his interest in playing American Football doing the rounds for some time. They were denied by his now former agent.

But in an instant, they came true.

Now, just a matter of months after starting a sport he hadn't even played properly before heading to the USA, Rees-Zammit has inked a three-year contract with Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs. He has already proved those who doubted him wrong.

Rees-Zammit's singing of a training deal to work alongside the likes of Chiefs superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is an extraordinary achievement. At the age of just 23, Rees-Zammit rolled the dice and took a huge gamble. It is one which has more than paid off so far.

He deserves a great deal of praise for his achievements.

And yet that still hasn't been enough for some.

Many have stressed how far Rees-Zammit still has to go to play in the NFL proper. Former Ireland captain and now TV pundit Brian O'Driscoll pointed out that Rees-Zammit is 'not likely to be receiving touchdown passes from Mahomes.' While there was certainly an element of truth to O'Driscoll's comment, it summed up an attitude which is far too often seen across rugby.

Far, far too many people in the sport often look at things through a negative lens. The focus is often on what players can't do rather than what they can.

Rather than question whether or not Rees-Zammit will make his next step, why not applaud the remarkable – because that is what it is – journey he has made so far this year?

Andy Reid's Chiefs have won three of the past five Super Bowl titles. The fact they, of all teams, have been impressed by Rees-Zammit is testament to the player's ability in his new sport.

Even if Rees-Zammit doesn't play in the NFL this season or at all, the Chiefs at the very least rate

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