INTERVIEW: Naas Botha shares thoughts on Louis Rees-Zammit’s NFL move

Springbok great, turned Dallas Cowboys kicker, Naas Botha, has shared his thoughts on the decision by Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit to quit rugby and pursue a career in the National Football League (NFL).

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As reported by The South African website, Rees-Zammit, still only 22 years old, this week dropped a bombshell by announcing his move to the United States.

Botha, known for his illustrious rugby career and latter American football transition, spoke about Rees-Zammit’s transition to American football.

Who Is Naas Botha?

Naas Botha, a prominent figure in South African rugby history, not only etched his name in the annals of the sport but also left an indelible mark as the first South African to venture into American football.

Renowned as a skilled flyhalf for the Springboks, Botha’s unexpected foray into the world of gridiron unfolded during a trial with the Dallas Cowboys in early 1983.

Following a stellar career in rugby union, he announced his “final” appearance for Northern Transvaal against Western Transvaal in March of that year, showcasing his prowess with a remarkable 23-point contribution to a 35-3 victory.

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It was during this trial period that Botha, with a flawless 100% kicking record (21/21), achieved the distinction of becoming the inaugural South African to embrace American football.

Despite reports of a three-year contract with the Texas-based club as their specialist goal-kicker, Botha’s dalliance with the NFL was ephemeral.

Within three years, he made a remarkable return to rugby union, donning the captain’s armband for the Springboks in a four-Test series against the rebel New Zealand Cavaliers.

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Botha’s unique journey across two diverse sporting realms embodies his versatility and the intriguing intersection of rugby and American football in his career.

Taking this into consideration, in an exclusive interview, SportsBoom sat down with Botha, delving into his odyssey to the NFL.

During the conversation, parallels were drawn between Botha’s journey and that of Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who has beeen unveiled as the latest participant in the NFL International Pathway Program.

The transition and picking his best position

Firstly, when asked about Rees-Zammit’s chances of success in the NFL, Botha expressed his admiration for the Welsh rugby player’s skills and commitment.

He acknowledged Rees-Zammit’s outstanding rugby abilities, emphasising the need for a thoughtful transition given the vast differences between the two sports.

“I loved him myself, as a rugby player. I have seen him on a number of occasions, and I thought he is absolutely brilliant,” Botha remarked.

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He highlighted the importance of Rees-Zammit understanding the nuances of American football, mentioning that the choice of position would be crucial for his success.

“I think firstly, he needs to figure out where he’s going to play, wide receiver? That I think would be maybe the best, the easiest for him. However, if he thinks he’s a running back, somewhere along the line the Americans are going to tell him, you need to put on a couple of pounds”, Botha suggested, noting that adapting to the physical demands of certain positions might pose challenges.

Challenges and adaptation

“The unfortunate thing is he doesn’t now come through that four-year university college cycle with building up a CV and all that, but I think he’s more than good enough to actually make it,” Botha stated optimistically.

His acknowledgment of the absence of a four-year university college cycle in Louis Rees-Zammit’s transition to the NFL sheds light on the significance of the collegiate system within American football.

The college system not only serves as a crucial developmental ground for aspiring players but also plays a pivotal role in shaping their skills, honing their understanding of the game, and building a comprehensive curriculum vitae.

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While Rees-Zammit’s unconventional route may lack the traditional collegiate foundation, Botha’s optimism suggests that the Welsh star’s innate skills and adaptability might compensate for this deviation.

Importantly, the high-pressure situations experienced by Rees-Zammit in international rugby could potentially serve as a valuable asset, allowing him to transfer this experience seamlessly to the demanding environment of the NFL.

“He’s got the feet work, he’s got the skill, he’s got the running skills, he’s got lovely hands. He’s got all the attributes to succeed, but this is where we’re making a big mistake trying to compare rugby to American Football”, Botha added.

Words of encouragement

When questioned about advice for Rees-Zammit, Botha commended the Welsh player’s decision to pursue his NFL dreams.

He highlighted the importance of passion for the game, stating, “You must love something if you want to do that.”

Naas Botha expressed confidence in Rees-Zammit’s ability to adapt quickly, given his dedication and work ethic.

Botha went onto to compare the rigorous difference between the two sports, commenting: “I arrived at the training camp, and they cut 11 guys on the first day because they’re not 100% ready to start practicing the next day. Now where rugby, sometimes the guys come back from an off season, and they sort of react for the first month of the new season and see that’s where American football is extremely professional, and I think he has all the qualities to adapt very quickly to that mentality if I can put it that way.”

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Naas Botha’s first-hand experience at an NFL training camp sheds light on the demanding and uncompromising nature of professional football in comparison to rugby.

His observation of 11 players being cut on the very first day underscores the high stakes and rigorous standards set by the NFL.

Unlike rugby, where players may have a period of adjustment at the beginning of a new season, American football demands an unparalleled level of readiness from day one.

The swift decision to cut players not deemed 100% prepared exemplifies the unforgiving and competitive environment of the NFL.

Hope for success and the need for a mental shift

“We’ve seen him beat a one-on-one defender very easily. The difference is and see that’s the thing what people sometimes must in rugby you get tackled when you have the ball. Okay, so you prepare yourself for a big hit in American football, you get hit without the ball”, the South African added.

In expressing his hope for Louis Rees-Zammit’s success in the NFL, Naas Botha aptly highlights a critical aspect of the mental shift required in transitioning from rugby to American football. Botha commends Rees-Zammit’s ability to effortlessly outmanoeuvre one-on-one defenders, a skill that undoubtedly adds value to his potential in the NFL. However, Botha astutely points out a fundamental difference between the two sports, emphasizing the necessity for a complete mental shift.

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In rugby, the physicality is inherent to ball possession, with players bracing themselves for impactful tackles when in control of the ball. The NFL, on the other hand, demands a heightened awareness, where players may find themselves subjected to significant hits without direct ball involvement. Botha’s insight suggests that while Rees-Zammit possesses the skills essential for success, adapting to the distinct nuances of American football will require not only physical prowess but a comprehensive mental recalibration. The hope for Rees-Zammit’s triumph lies not just in his athleticism but in his ability to navigate and embrace the distinctive challenges that the NFL presents, underlining the necessity of a holistic transformation in approach and mindset.

The future awaits

As the interview concluded, Botha expressed eagerness to follow Rees-Zammit’s journey into the NFL. He recognised the unique qualities Rees-Zammit brings from rugby but acknowledged the distinct challenges of American football.

“It’s going to be fantastic to just follow his path and to see how it goes,” Botha remarked.

The rugby legend wished Rees-Zammit the best on this new adventure, signalling the broader anticipation within the sports community for the outcome of this unprecedented move from rugby to American football.

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