Converted rugby player calls 65-yard TD on first NFL touch 'best feeling in the world'

Liam Blackburn

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Converted rugby player calls 65-yard TD on first NFL touch 'best feeling in the world' image

Bills running back Christian Wade made an immediate impact on his NFL debut and the rugby union convert described taking his first carry 65 yards for a touchdown as "the best feeling in the world."

Wade, who was played internationally with England in rugby, made the switch to football in October and was assigned to the Bills in April as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. 

The 28-year-old wasted no time in showcasing his ability in the Bills' first preseason game, as he cut back through a huge hole in the Colts defense on his first touch and accelerated away for a 65-yard scoring run.

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However, the formalities after the touchdown did appear to perplex Wade as his teammates had to inform him to return to the sideline rather than remain on the field for the extra-point attempt.

"I turned around — because I'm so used to the conversion in rugby — I started running back to halfway and getting ready to go again," Wade told reporters.

"I was looking around, didn't know what to do, Everyone was celebrating. I was trying to celebrate but thinking about, 'What am I supposed to do next?'

"Everyone was like, 'Come off the field!'

"But it was the best feeling in the world to be able to score a touchdown."

That was Wade's only carry, and he didn't have any receptions, but he was still given the game ball by coach Sean McDermott for his efforts in the 24-16 victory.

Asked whether he thought he was going to do something so special with his first touch, Wade replied: "Not really.

"People were saying to me, 'I feel like you're going to make a break for 60 yards,' people were talking about touchdowns, I was like, 'We'll just have to see what happens.'

"I believe in preparing the right way, and I know as a team we've been putting a lot of hard work in.

"The thing I've found with football is it's not just one man who has the show. There are a lot of poster boys but it's a whole team effort."

The Bills have a crowded backfield with Wade vying for snaps alongside LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore, T.J. Yeldon and rookie Devin Singletary, though the Brit can remain on the Bills' roster as an additional practice squad member under the terms of the Pathway Program.

"It gives me the motivation to keep going," Wade said of his touchdown.

"It gives me the positive energy that I'm making strides in the right direction. I know I've got loads of work to do."

Liam Blackburn