Rams linebacker Nate Landman describes how his rugby background gives him a “different instinct” when playing.

The world of professional football is full of athletes who have diverse backgrounds, and those who bring something unique to the table often end up making a significant impact. For Nate Landman, linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, his path to the NFL was influenced by an unexpected yet incredibly valuable background in rugby. While rugby and American football share certain similarities, they are distinct sports, and Landman’s time on the rugby field has had a profound effect on the way he approaches the gridiron.

In interviews, Landman has consistently highlighted how his experience with rugby has given him a “different instinct” when it comes to playing football. Whether it’s his keen awareness on the field, his tackling technique, or his ability to read the game, Landman’s rugby experience has undoubtedly shaped his playstyle. His ability to anticipate and react swiftly to plays is something that sets him apart from his peers. This article delves into how his rugby background has shaped his development as a football player and how it contributes to his success as a linebacker in the NFL.

Rugby and Football: Similarities and Differences

Before we dive deeper into how Landman’s rugby background has influenced his play, it’s important to understand the core similarities and differences between rugby and football. At first glance, these two sports might seem quite different. Rugby is a continuous-flow sport with fewer stoppages, while American football is more structured, with specific plays and set formations. Rugby players must rely heavily on their physicality, stamina, and the ability to read the field in a more fluid and fast-paced manner, while football players work within defined structures like offensive and defensive schemes.

Despite these differences, there are many elements of rugby that directly translate into football. Both sports rely on physical toughness, precise tackling, and a sharp understanding of the game’s flow. Rugby players are accustomed to playing in tight spaces and having to react quickly to changes in the game, which aligns well with the demands of being a linebacker in football. Linebackers, much like rugby players, need to anticipate where the ball carrier is going, and their ability to read the game is crucial to making key tackles and stopping plays in their tracks.

Landman’s experience in rugby exposed him to these elements early on, and as he transitioned to football, he found that his rugby background provided him with an edge in certain aspects of the game. His rugby background instilled a sense of situational awareness, physical toughness, and a natural ability to cover ground quickly—qualities that are vital to a linebacker’s success.

A Different Instinct: How Rugby Sharpened Landman’s Football Mind

One of the main points Landman often makes when discussing his transition from rugby to football is the “different instinct” he developed while playing rugby. This instinct is tied to his ability to read and react to plays in real-time. In rugby, players need to anticipate their opponent’s next move without the benefit of set plays or formations. The sport’s fluidity means that players have to make split-second decisions on defense, positioning themselves to make a tackle or prevent an opponent from breaking through.

In football, linebackers are often tasked with reading the offense, recognizing the formation, and reacting quickly to the ball’s movement. While this requires a similar level of awareness, Landman’s rugby experience made him more accustomed to the unpredictability of the game. He often describes how the fast-paced nature of rugby trained him to think on his feet, allowing him to make decisions without overthinking the situation. In football, this translates into quicker reactions to ball movement, an ability to detect and respond to the subtle cues an opposing offense gives, and a readiness to execute tackles in high-pressure situations.

Tackling: Rugby’s Influence on Landman’s Defensive Style

Another area where Landman’s rugby background has greatly influenced his football play is in his tackling technique. Rugby players are known for their aggressive and effective tackling style, which is focused on wrapping up the opponent and driving through the hit. Landman explains that this style of tackling, which emphasizes wrapping up rather than just delivering a big hit, has helped him in his role as a linebacker. In rugby, missed tackles can often result in serious consequences, and the ability to bring down opponents quickly and efficiently is paramount.

Landman’s tackling style on the football field reflects this rugby mentality. Rather than relying on the big hit to stop an opponent, he focuses on wrapping up the ball carrier and driving him to the ground. This not only improves his tackling consistency but also helps him avoid the kind of missed tackles that can lead to big gains for the offense. The rugby approach to tackling also places less strain on the body in terms of avoiding high-impact collisions, which could be more detrimental to his long-term health. By staying lower to the ground and using his arms and legs in sync, Landman is able to bring down opponents in a safer and more controlled manner.

This technique has helped Landman make key tackles in critical moments, often when the stakes are high and the game is on the line. His rugby background has made him more adaptable, able to adjust to different tackling situations and find effective solutions in the heat of the moment.

Physicality and Stamina: Endurance from Rugby to the NFL

Another aspect of rugby that has helped shape Landman’s approach to football is the sport’s emphasis on physicality and endurance. Rugby players are required to be in peak physical condition because the sport demands continuous movement, with little time for rest. Games often involve long stretches of constant running, tackling, and quick decision-making, which tests players’ stamina, strength, and mental fortitude.

While football is a stop-and-start game with more structured breaks between plays, the physical demands on linebackers are still significant. Linebackers are required to be in top physical condition to cover large areas of the field, chase down ball carriers, and engage in frequent tackles. Landman’s experience in rugby helped him develop the cardiovascular endurance necessary to excel in this physically demanding position. His rugby background gives him an edge in terms of stamina, as he is more accustomed to pushing through physical fatigue and staying engaged in the play for longer periods.

Additionally, rugby has ingrained a sense of physical toughness in Landman, which is crucial in the NFL. As a linebacker, he needs to be able to withstand the constant physical contact of the game. Whether he’s taking on blockers, shedding offensive linemen, or getting in on a tackle, Landman’s rugby experience has prepared him for the physical demands of the NFL, allowing him to maintain his aggression and intensity throughout a full game.

The Transition from Rugby to Football: Landman’s Unique Journey

Landman’s journey to the NFL was not a traditional one, and his transition from rugby to football was far from simple. Born in Denver, Colorado, Landman initially gravitated toward rugby in his youth, playing the sport throughout high school. His athleticism and natural talent for the game caught the attention of college recruiters, and he eventually went on to play rugby at Colorado State University.

However, it was during his time at Colorado State that Landman also discovered his potential in American football. Initially, he focused on rugby, but he soon found that his skills as a tackler and his overall athleticism made him an excellent fit for football. His transition from rugby to football was not easy, as the two sports have different demands, and Landman had to learn new techniques and systems. Nonetheless, the core principles he learned from rugby—like field awareness, tackling precision, and physicality—served as a strong foundation for his development as a football player.

Landman spent several years honing his craft, learning the intricacies of football while leveraging his rugby instincts. His ability to think quickly, adapt on the fly, and maintain a high level of physical endurance made him a standout linebacker in college. After an impressive career at Colorado State, Landman’s combination of rugby-inspired instincts and football acumen caught the attention of NFL scouts, ultimately leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Rams.

Landman’s Role with the Los Angeles Rams

As a member of the Los Angeles Rams, Landman has quickly established himself as a player to watch. His rugby background continues to influence his play on the field, making him a unique presence in the Rams’ defense. Whether it’s his ability to read offensive formations, his sharp tackling, or his physicality, Landman brings a “different instinct” to the linebacker position—one that’s rooted in his rugby days.

While Landman’s rugby experiences have made him a standout player, he is quick to credit his teammates and coaches for his development in the NFL. The Rams’ defensive system has provided him with the tools and guidance to further refine his game, and Landman is eager to continue improving and contributing to the team’s success.

His impact on the field, however, extends beyond just his play. As a player with a unique background, Landman’s story serves as an inspiration to other athletes who may have non-traditional routes to professional sports. It shows that success in football doesn’t always follow the same path and that the skills and instincts developed in other sports—like rugby—can be just as valuable.