Jaguars coach urges patience for Rees-Zammit and says ‘opportunity will come’ for former rugby star

WATFORD, England (AP) — Aspiring wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit’s “opportunity will come” as the former rugby star continues to learn American football, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday.

The Welshman is on Jacksonville’s practice squad after quitting rugby to chase his NFL dream. The Jags are in London and face the New England Patriots on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.

“Being on the practice squad, you never know, you are a play or two away from being elevated to the roster,” Pederson said.

The coach urged the 23-year-old Rees-Zammit to “continue to work and embrace his role.”

“We love his skill set, his talent, his speed, his physicality,” Pederson said. “He’s got great size. Just learn, just continue to learn, and just be patient, opportunity will come.”

Rees-Zammit joined the Jaguars in August after he was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. He had signed with the two-time defending Super Bowl champion in March as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.