'The sky's the limit' for Wade in the NFL

Sean McDermott, head coach of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, has said that it is a “joy” to have Christian Wade in their team.

The former Wasps and England winger has been part of the Bills’ practice squad this season, after failing to make the 53-man roster after preseason with them last summer.

The 28-year-old only started his career in American football at the beginning of 2019 with the international player pathway and was allocated to the Bills in April, so he is still raw in the sport. But his very first match in his new profession drew a lot of attention in Britain, as the speedster scored a stunning touchdown. His second touch was equally impressive, as he came close to another score.

After his attention-grabbing displays in preseason, McDermott said “whenever we need a touchdown, we will just turn and hand the ball to Christian”.

Quarterback Josh Allen also praised Wade for the impact he made in his first outings in the sport, saying: “In the pre-season he did exceptionally well, he took his first carry 65 yards and to make that transition and do that, it’s unbelievable.”

Allen also described Wade as a “vibrant character” in the team too, as did McDermott, who said “the positive energy and the juice he brings to our football team every day is impressive”.

The head coach also called the running back a “a great ambassador for the game in terms of the UK”, whilst also talking up his chances of progressing ahead of next season. He said: “He’s just made so many strides since coming to us less than a year ago. The sky’s the limit, so it’s a matter of the hard work he puts in, and I know he’s a hard worker, and we will see where it goes.”

Wade left Wasps in 2018 as the Premiership’s third highest try scorer with 82 (although he has since been overtaken by Chris Ashton). Many in rugby union know what a potent runner he is, and clearly his Bills teammates know as well.

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