David Still Move to Football Several Weeks in Coming

08.15.2023National Teams

USA 7s star David Still's decision to leave the program and pursue a pro football career was some time in coming.

GRR asked USA 7s Head Coach Mike Friday whether it was a surprise when Still announced his decision last week, he said it wasn't and instead had been a topic of discussion between the two some time ago.

David Still Leaves Sevens Eagles for Football

"It's his childhood dream," said Friday. "We kind of thought it might be coming."

Still, who was part of the Colorado XOs program that teaches rugby to crossover athletes, started well with the USA team but did have some difficult times—the odd ban for a dangerous tackle, some drops in form. But overall he brought a special combination of power and speed.

"He had a good impact for us but being on the circuit, with the travel and the different environments and different food was new for him," said Friday. "So as it went on it started to unfold in early summer. There was interest in him from the NFL and XFL and I knew it was his childhood dream. So what we didn't want was for him to be half-in and half-out. So he had to make his decision."

Still made his decision, but also remained with the USA team so as not to disrupt their preparation. But it became clear to him that he couldn't pursue football if he was also in rugby, and he couldn't full perform in rugby if he was thinking about football.

"We fully support him and I think he's got a chance," said Friday.

David Still Move to Football Several Weeks in Coming

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