Imagine the thrill of a rugby legend contemplating a daring switch to American football! Alex Cuthbert, a former Welsh and British & Irish Lions star, has revealed a hidden chapter in his career. In a recent interview, he discussed his teammate Louis Rees-Zammit's journey to the NFL and back, calling it a "win-win" situation. But here's where it gets intriguing: Cuthbert himself had a trial for the NFL almost a decade ago, and he's not afraid to admit it didn't go as planned.
"He [Rees-Zammit] knows his unique selling point - his speed," Cuthbert said, referring to his former teammate's successful NFL stint. "It was an unbelievable opportunity for a young lad like him. And let's be honest, the timing was perfect for him to leave the Welsh team. Even if he was still playing, our style of play wasn't really utilizing his skills.
Rees-Zammit's return to rugby has been a breath of fresh air for Welsh rugby, and Cuthbert believes he's come back a more professional athlete. "He was a bit laid-back before, relying on his natural skills, but the NFL model teaches you discipline and precision. NFL athletes are on another level, and I think Rees-Zammit learned a lot from that experience."
And this is the part most people miss: Cuthbert had his own NFL trial experience! In 2016-17, he tried out for the International Player Pathway program, but it was a Wednesday, and he had a Six Nations game coming up. He admits he didn't perform well, saying, "Those tight ends are freaks!"
So, what do you think? Is the NFL a viable option for rugby players? Or is it a risky move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
