Louis Rees-Zammit signs active roster deal as wide-receiver for Jacksonville Jaguars

Former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has signed an active roster agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars for 2025 as he looks to fulfil his lifelong NFL dream.

The news comes after the 24-year-old was able to negotiate his long-term future with other potential suitors in recent weeks after his initial short-term contract in Florida officially came to an end.

Rees-Zammit linked up with the Jags' practise squad ahead of last season after failing to make the cut at then NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs, whom he made three pre-season appearances for.

He didn't manage to breakthrough into Doug Pederson's team during the campaign however, despite being named in the travelling party for the London Series Games against the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears in October.

Rees-Zammit will be hoping that his exposure to the game over the past 12 months will stand him in good stead as he hopes to impress new head coach Liam Coen and make the cut for the Jaguars’ final 53-man roster later this year.

In a statement issued by the Jaguars, he said: “I’m excited to extend my stay in Jacksonville by signing for another year.

"While I know it was a tough season on the field for the team, I think I made some great progress with my own game and I’m looking forward to continuing the hard work and advancing my skills even more, and believe that Jacksonville is the place for me to do that."

What does active roster mean in NFL?

Louis Rees-Zammit's inclusion in the Jacksonville Jaguars' active roster means he is now able to participate for the main team in official NFL games.

Previously, being a member of the practise squad, the Welshman was only able to train and prepare for matches, but wasn't able to take to the field for the main team.

However, his inclusion on the active roster means he is now eligible to feature, and hopefully impress, in pre-season games, which get underway in August.

When did Louis Rees-Zammit retire from rugby union?

Louis Rees-Zammit officially retired from rugby union in January 2024 after opting to pursue a long-term career in the NFL.

He made 32 appearances for Wales prior to making his transatlantic switch as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program - a 10-week course designed to assess aspiring American Football stars.

Will Louis Rees-Zammit return to rugby union?

Well, at least in the short term, it appears unlikely that Louis Rees-Zammit will make a return to rugby union.

His initial contract means he is tied down to the Jaguars until at least the start of the season - a deal which then could be extended dependent upon his progress during pre-season.

The Welsh star will, of course, hope to be named in the AFC side's final 53-man roster, which would likely open the door to an NFL regular season debut during the forthcoming campaign.

However, even if he fails to make the grade, he could remain in Florida, or at an NFL rival, as part of a practise squad, where he would hope to further nurture his talents with a view to forging a breakthrough in the game in 2026.

That said, it appears a mightily tall order for the 14-try Welsh rugby union star to establish himself as a regular NFL starter, which does pose the question as to how long he will persevere with his American Football dream.

There was speculation in January that a move back to the UK was forthcoming, but the news of his fresh agreement in Florida has put pay to suggestions that a move back to rugby is on the horizon.