Wide receiver Christian Wade recently went from playing in Premiership Rugby – England's top rugby union division, to trying his luck with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He eventually switched back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster with the Bills. The 29-year old player seeks to change the trend as he hopes to finally make the final 53-man lineup from the get-go.
“This is my second year and it’s I guess a make or break year,” Wade said. “It’s ironic, the fact that we’re not going to have any pre-season games and this whole crazy situation.
“I believe I do [have a chance to make the roster], because of the way that the Bills organization and everything is set up.”
Wade also reflected on his big decision to leave Rugby and participate in the NFL's International Player Pathway program instead:
“There’s definitely no regrets. The whole reason I came out here was that an opportunity presented itself and I wanted to test myself against the best athletes in the world, to put myself in a situation where I knew I was going to be uncomfortable but it’d make me grow as a man and an athlete as well.
“Whatever comes of that, I guess, is meant to be.”
Last season, Wade had a 65-yard touchdown run on his first carry in the pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts. A few months later, Wade was waived by the Bills and signed to the practice squad the next day.
During the offseason, Wade was given a roster exemption as an international player for a second season. However, things will be different this year as there will be no pre-season games to be played by the teams. Players like Wade who are seeking to crack a roster spot should perform exceptionally well during training camp.
His precarious fate in the NFL will be known by September 5 when NFL teams should have already named their respective final 53-man rosters heading into next season.
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