England rugby star Christian Wade signs for NFL team Buffalo Bills after quitting union for gridiron
Wade has followed in the footsteps of Alex Gray at Atlanta Falcons and Christian Scotland-Williamson at the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were first to try and crack it stateside
CHRISTIAN WADE was fighting back the tears after signing for NFL side Buffalo Bills.
Wade shocked the world of rugby when he ripped-up his Wasps contract just six months ago and flew to America to try and crack it in a sport that he has still NEVER played a full game of.
After being snubbed constantly by England boss Eddie Jones, despite being the Premiership's third most-lethal try-scorer at the age of 27, the one-capped wonder had enough, so chased the American Dream.
And his NFL fairytale took one-step closer to reality yesterday when Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane phoned the rookie running back to welcome him to New Era Field in up-state New York.
Now eyeing-up a spot on their full squad for the 2019/20 season, shocked Wade said: "I’m a step closer to my dream.
"It makes me emotional just how risky and big a move it’s been. I realise it, but this moment has made it even more apparent. Every time I think about it I well up in my eyes - that's how much it means to me.
WADE TEARS UP
"I’m lost for words. Every week that’s gone by has exceeded my expectations. I didn’t know what to expect and have been trying to stay open to everything, take every moment as it comes, and hit it hard.
"I haven't played a game. I am still yet to play a game or be part of a full training session. I still have a lot to learn. Football is pretty much like learning a new language like Japanese.
"I've had to go into a classroom for 12 weeks and pretty much learn a new language.
"The mental side has been a real test. It continues to be as I’ve still only scratched the surface of what I’m going to need to know."
Wade put on a helmet and pads for the first time at the end of last year and hopes to make the 53-man roster when the training squad is cut later this year.
I've never been to Buffalo, never been to the Niagara Falls. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it there.
Christian Wade
The British and Irish Lion has also never been to his new home town - which is on the eastern shore of Lake Erie and the gateway to Niagara Falls.
Throwing himself in at the deep end he said: "It's a whole new country and different culture.
"I loved my time in London, but I'm looking forward to a new challenge. I've never been to Buffalo, never been to the Niagara Falls. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it there.
"I'm 16 weeks from finding out if I make the 53-man squad. But even to get this far for me has been such a difficult journey. I’m just very thankful.
"Bills GM Brand Beane didn’t know much about rugby, but he’s watched the clips, he watched my Pro Day training tape and it really impressed with what he’s seen."
Wade follows in the footsteps of converted rugby stars Alex Gray - who quit England Sevens for Atlanta Falcons and Christian Scotland-Williamson who left Worcester for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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And the interest back home from his fellow egg-chasers has been huge.
Wade added: "Everyone has been real supportive and have given me loads of words of encouragement from back home.
"I've had plenty of calls and FaceTimes from people seeing how I've been getting on."
